(P04-014-24) Peanut Shell Extract Improves Mitochondrial Function in db/db Mice via Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. This study explores the effects of dietary peanut shell extract (PSE) supplementation on these factors in diabetic mice. Key molecular markers associated with mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis, and oxidative stress were assessed in the liver, brain, and white adipose tissue (WAT) to gain insights into the potential benefits of PSE.

Methods: Sixteen db/db mice were randomly assigned to the diabetic group (DM) or PSE group (PSE supplemented at 1 % wt/wt diet), six C57BL/6J mice served as controls. The respective diets were administered for 5 weeks. Gene and protein expression levels were measured using qRT-PCR and western blotting techniques.

Results: The DM group exhibited upregulated expression of genes and proteins associated with mitochondrial fission (DRP1), mitophagy (PINK1), and inflammation (TNFα), along with downregulated expression of fusion-related genes and proteins (MFN1, MFN2, OPA1), biogenesis markers (TFAM, PGC-1α), anti-oxidative stress factors (NRF2), and microglial activation marker (IBA1) in the liver, brain, and WAT. PSE supplementation into the diet attenuated these alterations, suggesting a potential protective PSE’s effect against diabetes-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.

Conclusions: The study concludes that dietary PSE supplementation has a positive impact on mitochondrial function in the liver, brain, and WAT of diabetic mice. This improvement is attributed, in part, to the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic role of PSE in mitigating diabetes-associated complications related to mitochondrial health.

Funding Sources: Department of Pathology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center