Seafood proteins in the prevention of the metabolic syndrome

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Hypothesis: Our hypothesis is that seafood protein sources rich in taurine and pantothenic acid can stimulate glutathione (GSH) synthesis and modulate bile-acid (BA) metabolism, and that this may induce intestinal release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1 ) and fibroblast growth factor 15/19 (FGF15/19) to blood. We also hypothesize that the blood BA concentration can be modestly elevated in seafood protein consuming animals and subjects. Collectively, the metabolic pathways activated through the increased GSH, BA, GLP-1, FGF15/19 levels will reduce many of the pathological characteristics of the metabolic syndrome, such as insulin-resistance and hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis and abdominal obesity. We will screen different seafood protein so urces for their content of different nutrients, and based on their content of taurine and pantothenic acid, we will make a selection of seafood protein sources to be tested in experimental high-fat diets to mice. Control proteins will be casein and in som e experiments we might also use chicken filet protein as a second control protein. Initially, we will screen for the ability of 4-6 selected seafood proteins to prevent mice from developing abdominal obesity, plasma lipids, and plasma glucose and insulin levels. Next, we will test the ability of a mix of seafood proteins to improve postprandial blood lipids. Thirdly, we will test the ability of the same mix of seafood proteins to prevent development of insulin-resistance. Finally, we will test the abilit y of the seafood protein mixture to prevent development of atherosclerotic lesions. In these studies, we will use mice and cell-systems to elucidate underlying mechanisms. Based on the findings in mice and the cell-systems, we will run a human interventi on study with seafood proteins that will focus on postprandial lipid metabolism. In addition, grant applications will be written and submitted to Canadian Grant Agencies in order to conduct a Canadian human tr