Fish peptides screening on obesity-linked metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk profile

Previous studies at Laval University and Nofima marine/University of Tromsø have shown that cod protein is a natural insulin-sensitizing agent that prevents obesity-linked muscle insulin resistance. However, the molecular mechanisms and the superior effec t of cod protein in comparison with other protein sources have not yet been fully elucidated. The project objectives are to investigate bioactive components of cod that confer anti-diabetic activity, and to further unravel how various cod derived proteins /peptides influence the molecular basis of insulin resistance in obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Cod muscle will be fractionated into multiple sub-fractions of myofibrillar proteins, sarcoplasmic proteins, lipid-free cod proteins, and the effluent of all procedures. Additionally, cod muscle protein hydrolysates, whole cod fillets and control groups of soy and casein will be subjected to a simulated gastrointestinal digestion using the TIM system. Protein fractions and peptides thereof wil l then be tested in three cell lines of adipocytes, skeletal muscle cells and macrophages, and analysed for key markers that mediates obesity-linked insulin resistance. Promising fractions that exhibit high efficacy on negating insulin resistance, will be scaled-up and constitute a feed in a diet induced rodent model of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Scientific training in methods and techniques is an integrated part of this project, and it will also strengthen the research collaboration between the two ins titutions.