Effects of intact and hydrolysed blue whiting proteins on blood pressure and markers of kidney function in obese Zucker fa/fa rats

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of diets containing intact or hydrolysed proteins from blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) on the development of high blood pressure and markers of kidney function in obese Zucker fa/fa rats which are prone to develop hypertension and renal failure. METHODS: Male rats were fed isocaloric diets containing either intact blue whiting whole meal (BW-WM), blue whiting protein hydrolysate prepared with Alcalase(®) (BW-HA) or blue whiting protein hydrolysate prepared with Protamex(®) (BW-HP) as 1/3 of total protein with the remaining 2/3 as casein, or casein as sole protein source (control group). Blood pressure was measured at Day 0 and Day 32. Rats were housed in metabolic cages for 24 h for collection of urine in week 4. After 5 weeks, rats were euthanized and blood was drawn from the heart. The renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition capacities for casein and blue whiting proteins were measured in vitro. RESULTS: The blood pressure increase was lower in rats fed diets containing blue whiting proteins when compared to the control group, whereas markers of kidney function were similar between all groups. The three blue whiting proteins inhibited renin activity in vitro, whereas casein had no effect. The in vitro ACE inhibition was similar for casein, BW-WM and BW-HP proteins, whereas BW-HA protein was less potent. CONCLUSION: Blue whiting protein feeding attenuated the blood pressure increase in obese Zucker fa/fa rats, possibly mediated through the renin–angiotensin system and without affecting markers of kidney function. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s00394-020-02262-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.