Red Kidney Beans Ameliorate the High Fat Diet-Induced Hepatic Fat Accumulation and Inflammation

Abstract

Abstract Objectives High fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity links with prevalence of metabolic dysfunction, including low-grade chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis. Dry edible beans (DEBs) play a significant role in human nutrition as a rich source of proteins, carbohydrates, fibers, and various micronutrients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of red kidney beans (RKBs) to attenuate the deleterious effects of HFD in the liver. Methods Syrian hamsters were randomly assigned with one of five experimental diet groups; low fat diet (control), high fat diet, high fat diet with 5% whole beans (HFD + B), high fat diet with 4.5% dehulled beans (HFD + DHB) and high fat diet with 0.5% hull of beans (HFD + HB) and fed for 4 weeks. Results Supplementation of RKB resulted in lower body weight, liver weight, and glucose levels (P < 0.001) in HFD + B and HFD + DHB group compared to HFD group. Adding RKBs downregulated gene expressions related to inflammation (e.g., interleukin 6 (IL-6)) and lipogenesis (e.g., hepatic fatty acid synthase (FASN)) in the liver. Furthermore, RKBs supplemented groups showed reduced hepatic fat accumulation in comparison with the HFD group. Conclusions Supplementation of RKBs and their hulls attenuates hepatic stresses by decreasing the lipogenesis and inflammation, which contribute to enhancing insulin sensitivity. Funding Sources USDA Multi-Hatch, Program: W-3150.