Lignin-derived low-molecular-weight oxidized lignophenol stimulates AMP-activated protein kinase and suppresses renal inflammation and interstitial fibrosis in high fat diet-fed mice

Abstract Excess weight and obesity increase the risk of developing major risk factors for chronic kidney disease. Lignin comprises 20%–30% of the global plant biomass; however, it is not well utilized because of its resistance to chemical and biological degradation. We investigated whether low-molecular-weight oxidized lignophenol (LOLP), a lignin derivative, could alter inflammation and fibrosis in the kidneys of a high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Male mice were divided into three treatment groups: HFD; HFD +0.3% LOLP; and HFD +0.6% LOLP. The control mice (Cont) were fed a low-fat diet. Macrophage kinetics, the degree of fibrosis, the extent of phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and mRNA expression of proinflammatory mediators in the kidneys were examined. The number of macrophages, the percentage of fibrotic area, and the mRNA expression of proinflammatory markers, TNF-α and Ccl2, and a marker of fibrosis, TGF-β, were significantly higher in the kidneys of mice in the HFD group than those in the Cont group. Conversely, treatment with 0.6% LOLP for 8 weeks significantly suppressed the degree of macrophage infiltration, interstitial fibrotic area, and the increased mRNA expression of proinflammatory and fibrosis markers induced by HFD. In conclusion, LOLP suppressed macrophage infiltration and the increase in fibrotic area, and upregulated AMPK phosphorylation in the kidneys of HFD-fed mice; thus, it may ameliorate HFD-induced kidney injury.