Capybara Oil‐Based Nanoemulsion Attenuates Obesity‐Induced Renal Injury Through Modulation of Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Fibrosis in Mice

Abstract

ABSTRACT Obesity is a multifactorial disorder associated with systemic metabolic alterations and increased risk of renal injury, largely driven by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Bioactive lipids, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been shown to exert protective effects; however, their instability and susceptibility to oxidation may limit their therapeutic potential. In this study, we investigated the effects of a capybara oil‐based nanoemulsion (NE‐CO) on renal dysfunction in a mouse model of obesity. Male mice were subjected to diet‐induced obesity and treated with NE‐CO (100 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Metabolic parameters, systolic blood pressure, urinary biomarkers, and renal morphology were evaluated. In addition, markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis were assessed to elucidate potential mechanisms. NE‐CO treatment significantly reduced body mass and systolic blood pressure, while improving renal function, as evidenced by decreased proteinuria and normalization of urinary creatinine levels. Histological and ultrastructural analyzes revealed marked improvements in renal cortical organization. These effects were accompanied by reduced expression of pro‐inflammatory markers, enhanced antioxidant defenses, and attenuation of fibrotic remodeling. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that NE‐CO mitigates obesity‐induced renal injury, at least in part, through modulation of inflammatory, oxidative, and fibrotic pathways. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of bioactive lipid delivery systems in the context of metabolic and renal disorders.