Dietary Salvia hispanica L. Seed Counteracted Kidney Failure in Experimental Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Metabolic Syndrome (MS) has become a major health hazard in the current world by triggering cardiovascular and renal pathologies. Chia seed is a rich source of bioactive food components (n-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and fiber, among others) with several benefits on cardiovascular health. Therefore, we hypothesized that the intake of chia seed could counteract kidney failure of MS by protecting against lipid accretion, oxidative stress and fibrosis in this tissue. An experimental model of MS was induced by feeding male Wistar rats for 3 months with a sucrose-rich diet (SRD) containing corn oil as a source of fat. During the next 3 months, half of the animals continued with SRD. The other half received the SRD in which corn oil was replaced by Salvia hispanica L. seeds (chia) (SRD+C). The control group received a reference diet (RD). In experimental MS, dietary administration of chia seed significantly decreased albumin and glucose urine levels (p<0.05). Chia reverted fibrosis (SiriusRed-collagen staining), morphological anomalies and the altered markers (PEPCK and FBPase) of renal glucose metabolism (p<0.05). These effects were accompanied by a decrease in the accumulation of triglycerides and oxidative stress biomarkers (ROS and lipid peroxides) in kidney (p<0.05). The mechanisms included down-regulation of key enzymes of fatty acid biosynthesis (ACC, FAS and G6PDH) and up-regulation of antioxidant defenses (GSH, GR and GPx activities). Dietary chia seed counteracted renal failure in an experimental model of MS, indicating that it could be an exceptional food for the clinical management of this disorder.