The effects of kumiss supplementation on body weight, food intake, nesfatin-1 and irisin levels in BALB/C mice

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the plasma and tissue levels of nesfatin-1 and irisin hormones, which were discovered in recent years and are associated with endocrine and metabolic functions, in kumiss-supplemented mice. Sixteen BALB/C male mice were divided into two groups as control and kumiss groups. During the experiment, the kumiss was added to the drinking water of mice at a ratio of 1:1 to obtain a daily 2×108 cfu/mL bacterial colony, and was given once a day orally for 20 weeks. The weights and food intake of the animals were monitored during the experiment. The nesfatin-1 and irisin levels in plasma and tissue samples were determined using ELISA kits. Kumiss supplementation reduced the live weight for 2-12 weeks (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed after the 12th week. The feed consumption of the kumiss group was lower at the beginning and the 10th week, and at the end, compared to the control group (P<0.05). The plasma levels of nesfatin-1 and irisin (P<0.001) decreased while the liver levels increased (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively). The results indicate that plasma and liver levels of nesfatin-1 and irisin are regulated by diet and are effective in weight loss and food intake.