Assessing the dose dependent effects of blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) protein hydrolysates on food intake in mice. Basic and clinical science posters: Diet, obesity, exercise and inflammation - P39 |

Aims: Persons with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes, can often help to better control their condition by adjusting their diet and lifestyle. Recently, dietary protein has been recognised as an important component which can lead to improved glycaemic control. Protein from blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou)—an underutilised pelagic fish species, may have therapeutic potential following selective enzymatic hydrolysis. After blue whiting was exposed to enzymatic hydrolysis for various incubation times, four different soluble protein hydrolysates were generated.

Methods: Following gradual food restriction, male NIH Swiss mice were trained to eat for 3 h per day (10.00–13.00 h). Food consumption was measured after oral gavage of protein hydrolysates over a dose range from 50 to 200 mg/kg bodyweight, with a saline (0.9% NaCl) control group included. Food intake was monitored in groups (n = 6) of mice from 10.00 h at 30 min intervals up to 180 min. Results were analysed by a two-way analysis of variance with significant differences identified by a Bonferroni post hoc test.

Results: The hydrolysates (150mg/kg) were the most promising for supressing appetite over the 180 min period, with three hydrolysates (e.g. hydrolysate 10098) achieving a nonsignificant reduction in food intake (approximately 3–9%). In contrast, at the higher dose of 200 mg/kg, three hydrolysates (e.g. hydrolysate 20045) induced a nonsignificant increase (approximately 3–20%) in food intake.

Summary: In conclusion, specific blue whiting protein hydrolysates may possess the ability to suppress appetite, but further fractionation of the hydrolysates will be required to identify selective peptide components, which can suppress appetite and reduce food intake.