Amaranth grain has a great nutritional value and is a source of several bioactive compounds like flavonoids, squalene, unsaturated fatty acids and bioactive peptides. It has been shown that amaranth grain consumption improves lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic animals. Additionally, the anti-diabetic properties of amaranth have been reported, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in this effect. In this investigation we evaluated whether chronic amaranth consumption has a beneficial effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats using a proteomic approach. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were supplemented with 20% popped amaranth grain for 12 weeks. Changes in glucose, plasma lipids as well changes in plasma proteome profile were evaluated. Total cholesterol was increased in diabetic rats but this was ameliorated by amaranth consumption. Diabetic rats fed with amaranth showed the highest levels of HDL and this correlated with an accumulation of apolipoprotein A-II. Proteomic analysis showed alterations in the kalikrein-kinin system induced by streptozotocin. Furthermore, amaranth diet stimulated the up-accumulation of the antioxidant protein paraoxonase 1. This study provides molecular evidence about the role of amaranth as a potential functional food in the management of diabetes.

Changes in lipid profile and plasma proteome of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed an amaranth supplemented diet

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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