Bioactive Peptides from Meretrix lusoria Enzymatic Hydrolysate as a Potential Treatment for Obesity in db/db Mice

• Published in: Nutrients Vol. 16; no. 12; p. 1913
• Main Authors: Chilakala, Ramakrishna, Moon, Hyeon Jeong, Jung, Min Seouk, Han, Jong Won, Ko, Kang Ho, Lee, Dong Sung, Cheong, Sun Hee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 17.06.2024; MDPI
• Subjects: AMPK pathway; Antidiabetics; Antioxidants; bioactive peptides; Chronic illnesses; db/db mice; Diabetes; enzymatic hydrolysate; Enzymes; Fatty acids; Insulin resistance; Kinases; Lipids; Liver diseases; Metabolism; Musculoskeletal system; Obesity; Peptides; Potassium; Proteins; Weight control; St Louis Missouri; United States > US; South Korea
• ISSN: 2072-6643; 2072-6643
• DOI: 10.3390/nu16121913

Obesity is acknowledged as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, often accompanied by increased inflammation and diabetes. Bioactive peptides derived from marine animal proteins show promise as safe and effective anti-obesity agents by regulating adipocyte differentiation through the AMPK signaling pathway. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects of bioactive compounds derived from a Meretrix lusoria Protamex enzymatic hydrolysate (MLP) fraction (≤1 kDa) through a 6-week treatment (150 mg/kg or 300 mg/kg, administered once daily) in leptin receptor-deficient db/db mice. The MLP treatment significantly decreased the body weight, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol levels while also exhibiting a beneficial effect on hepatic and serum marker parameters in db/db mice. A histological analysis revealed a reduction in hepatic steatosis and epididymal fat following MLP treatment. Furthermore, poor glucose tolerance was improved, and hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities were elevated in MLP-treated mice compared to db/db control mice. Western blot analysis showed an increased expression of the AMPK protein after MLP treatment. In addition, the expression of lipogenic genes decreased in db/db mice. These findings indicate that bioactive peptides, which are known to regulate blood glucose levels, lipid metabolism, and adipogenesis, could be beneficial functional food additives and pharmaceuticals.