Capybara Oil Improves Renal Pathophysiology and Inflammation in Obese Mice
Priscila G Pereira1, Luciana L Alves1, Bianca T Ciambarella1
1Ultrastructure and Tissue Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Boulevard Vinte e Oito de Setembro, 87 Fundos, 3° Andar Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro 20551-030, RJ, Brazil.
Abstract:
Obesity is an inflammatory disease associated with secondary diseases such as kidney disease, which can cause lipotoxicity, inflammation and loss of organ function. Polyunsaturated fatty acids act in the production of lipid mediators and have anti-inflammatory characteristics. In this work, the objective was to evaluate renal histopathology in obese mice and the effects of treatment with capybara oil (CO) (5000 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks). Parameters such as body mass, lipid profile, systolic blood pressure, urinary creatinine and protein excretion, structure and ultrastructure of the renal cortex, fibrosis, tissue inflammation and oxidative stress were analyzed. CO treatment in obese mice showed improvement in the lipid profile and reduction in systolic blood pressure levels, in addition to beneficial remodeling of the renal cortex. Our data demonstrated that CO decreased inflammation, oxidative stress and renal fibrosis, as evidenced by quantifying the expression of TNF-α, IL-10, CAT, SOD, α-SMA and TGF-β. Although treatment with CO did not show improvement in renal function, ultrastructural analysis showed that the treatment was effective in restoring podocytes and pedicels, with restructuring of the glomerular filtration barrier. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that treatment with CO is effective in reducing kidney damage, being considered a promising treatment for obesity.
Insights
Capybara oil (CO) effectively reduces kidney inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis in obese mice. While not improving overall kidney function, CO restores crucial structures within the glomerular filtration barrier, showing promise for obesity-related kidney damage.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Obesity is an inflammatory condition linked to kidney disease, characterized by lipotoxicity and impaired organ function.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids possess anti-inflammatory properties and influence lipid mediator production.
- Understanding interventions for obesity-induced kidney damage is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of capybara oil (CO) on renal histopathology in obese mice.
- To evaluate CO's impact on various markers of kidney damage and metabolic health.
Main Methods:
- Obese mice were treated with capybara oil (5000 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks).
- Analyses included body mass, lipid profile, blood pressure, urinary markers, renal cortex structure (light and electron microscopy), fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress markers (TNF-α, IL-10, CAT, SOD, α-SMA, TGF-β).
Main Results:
- Capybara oil improved lipid profiles and reduced systolic blood pressure in obese mice.
- CO treatment led to beneficial remodeling of the renal cortex, decreasing inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis.
- Ultrastructural analysis revealed restoration of podocytes and the glomerular filtration barrier, despite no improvement in overall renal function.
Conclusions:
- Capybara oil demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-oxidative effects on the kidney in an obesity model.
- CO treatment shows potential in mitigating obesity-related kidney damage by restoring glomerular structures.
- Capybara oil is a promising therapeutic agent for managing kidney complications associated with obesity.
More Related Videos
08:15Author Spotlight: Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking to Decipher the Action of Jiawei Shengjiang San Against Diabetic Kidney Disease
Published on: May 10, 2024
10:31Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice
Published on: May 2, 2025
