Effects of Mealworm Fermentation Extract and Soy Protein Mix Ratio on Hepatic Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Obese-Induced Mice

Abstract

Previous studies found that mealworm fermentation extract (TMP) reduced alcoholic hepatic steatogenesis. This study examined how the ratio of TMP and soy protein (SP) mix affected glucose and lipid metabolism in obese mice given a high-fat diet (HFD). Mice were given HFD supplemented with 100% SP or the following three ratios of TMP and SP mix for 12 weeks: 20% (S4T1), 40% (S3T2), and 60% (S2T3) TMP. When compared to the SP group, the S2T3 group had considerably lower body weight gain and food consumption. When compared to the SP group, the S2T3 group had slightly lower blood insulin and leptin levels, as well as a lower homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance score. The use of TMP instead of SP reduced the size of epididymal adipose tissue cells. An increase in the extent of substitution of SP with TMP inhibited the gene expression of hepatic fructolysis/gluconeogenesis ( KHK, ALDOB, DLD, and FBP1), lipogenesis ( FAS, SCD1, CD36, and DGAT2), and its transcriptional factors ( PPARγ and ChREBP). Furthermore, the S2T3 group dramatically reduced the expression of hepatic genes implicated in endoplasmic reticulum stress ( PDI) and antioxidant defense ( SOD1). The 60% TMP mix, in particular, reduced the expression of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolismrelated genes in HFD-fed mice. The manufacturing of functional processed goods may be accomplished by combining SP and TMP in a 2:3 ratio.