Dietary pea protein alone or combination of partial intake of pea protein and exercise induces beige adipocyte formation in mice

Abstract

Pea protein (PP) is considered to have a relatively low allergy risk and is expected to provide an alternative source of plant protein to soy protein. However, the physiological functions of PP are unclear. In the present mouse study, we found that a 100-PP diet (with PP comprising 100 % of the protein intake) for 4 weeks significantly induced beige adipocyte formation in inguinal white adipose tissue. Furthermore, although a 50-PP diet (with PP comprising 50 % of the total protein) alone did not increase beige adipocyte formation, the combination of 50-PP and exercise significantly induced beige adipocyte formation. The induction of beige adipocyte formation observed with 100-PP intake alone and combined 50-PP and exercise was not associated with fibroblast growth factor 21. Our findings can be used as a basis for PP application in the food industry.