ACE2/ANG-(1–7)/MAS AXIS ACTIVATION IMPROVES BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN EUTROPHIC MICE SUPPLEMENTED WITH GRYLLUS ASSIMILIS

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a central role in the regulation of metabolic and cardiovascular homeostasis, in which the alternative ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/Mas axis is responsible for protective effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasodilator action. The activation of this axis is associated with improved lipid profile and increased glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. In this context, the consumption of functional foods capable of modulating the RAS represents a promising strategy for the prevention of metabolic dysfunctions. Thus, Gryllus assimilis (GA) stands out for its high content of proteins, lipids, vitamins and minerals, as well as bioactive peptides with high antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Gryllus assimilis on biochemical and histological parameters and on the expression of genes related to the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis in the adipose tissue of eutrophic mice. 16 male mice of the Swiss strain at 6 weeks of age were used. The animals were divided into two experimental groups (n=8): control group (AIN93-M) and experimental group (AIN93-M + GA). The experimental period was four weeks, during which the animals received an isocaloric and isoprotein diet, varying only by the addition of 15% of wholemeal GA flour