Fucoxanthin ameliorates high-fat diet-induced kidney injury in mice

Consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) is closely associated with lipid metabolism disorders and renal injury, often leading to ectopic lipid deposition, chronic inflammation, and subsequent functional impairment. Fucoxanthin (Fx), a marine-derived carotenoid, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may offer protective benefits against metabolic disturbances. This study aimed to investigate whether Fx alleviates HFD-induced kidney injury and to explore the potential mechanisms, with emphasis on oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. Using a male C57BL/6J mouse model of H-induced nephropathy, we evaluated the effects of Fx supplementation on renal function, tissue morphology, oxidative damage markers, and inflammatory cytokine levels. Additionally, gut microbiota composition was preliminarily analyzed via 16S rDNA sequencing. The results demonstrated that Fx significantly improved renal function and reduced histological damage in the kidney. It also lowered malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Furthermore, Fx administration improved systemic lipid profiles and metabolic health. Although shifts in gut microbial communities were observed following Fx treatment, their direct relevance to renal outcomes requires further investigation. In conclusion, fucoxanthin exerts notable renoprotective effects against HFD-induced kidney injury, largely through mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation, supporting its potential as a nutraceutical agent for preventing obesity-related renal dysfunction.