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Soy protein preserves basement membrane integrity through a synergistic effect on nephrin, matrix metalloproteinase
Nallasamy Palanisamy1, Carani Venkataraman Anuradha
1Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Annamalai University, India. nalpybiochem@gmail.com
Background/Aims:
Soy protein improves renal function and prevents albuminuria in diabetic rats. This study investigates whether the renoprotective effect of soy protein is related to sustenance of basement membrane integrity.
Methods:
Adult male albino rats were randomized into four groups and fed one of the following semi-synthetic diets consisting of corn starch (60%) and casein (20%; CCD), fructose (60%) and casein (20%; FCD), fructose (60%) and soy protein (20%; FSD), or corn starch (60%) and soy protein (20%; CSD). Plasma chemistry and renal changes were analyzed after 60 days.
Results:
FCD rats displayed metabolic derangements and renal ultrastructural changes. FSD rats showed reduction in type IV collagen, tissue inhibitor for matrix metallo-proteinase-2, vascular endothelial growth factor and tumor necrosis factor-α expression and improved matrix metallo-proteinase expression. Renal architecture was preserved in these rats.
Conclusion:
Soy protein supplementation not only improved insulin sensitivity but also markedly attenuated renal basement membrane changes in fructose diet-fed rats. These findings provide evidence in support of the use of dietary soy protein in patients with diabetic kidney disease.
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