Altering Dietary Protein Type and Quantity Reduces Urinary Albumin Excretion without Affecting Plasma Glucose Concentrations in BKS.cg-m +Leprdb/+Leprdb (db/db) Mice

Protein restriction is used conventionally in the prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy. Recently, the use of soy protein instead of animal protein has been postulated as a new preventive and treatment option. The aim of this study was to determine the qualitative and quantitative effects of dietary protein on biomarkers of diabetic nephropathy in a Type 2 diabetes mellitus mouse model (BKS.cg-m +Leprdb/+Leprdb mice). Diabetic (+Leprdb/+Leprdb) and control (m+/m+) mice (n = 24/group) consumed one of four different diets ad libitum [20% casein, 20% soy protein, 12% casein or 12% soy protein (energy-based percentages)] from 35 ± 4 d of age until termination (184–217 d of age). Blood and urine were collected throughout the study to measure biomarkers of diabetes and diabetic nephropathy. Kidney tissue was collected at the end of the study for weight. In diabetic mice, a 20% casein diet increased urinary albumin excretion to macroalbuminuric levels, whereas a 20% soy protein diet led to no major changes in urinary albumin excretion. Low protein diets (12%), independently of protein type, decreased urinary albumin excretion to low microalbuminuric levels. There were no significant differences in plasma glucose concentrations. These findings show lower urinary albumin excretion when a soy protein diet or a low casein diet is fed, suggesting a delay in the progression of diabetic nephropathy.