METABOLIC DYSFUNCTIONS OF PERIPUBERTAL PROTEIN RESTRICTION IN MALE RATS

Abstract

The current study investigate sound effects of low-protein diet (LP) during peripubertal period
to induce metabolic dysfunctions. In our study (CEUA 2910011021), 30 days-old Wistar male
rats received LP (4% protein) and control rats were fed a 20.5% protein diet, for 60 days (NP
group). Biometric parameters was taken and glucose, total and HDL-cholesterol, and
triglycerides were evaluated from plasma samples. Glycemia homeostasis was evaluated by
OGTT and ITT, while hepatic parameters, including quantitative analysis of fat, triglycerides
and cholesterol in the liver was evaluated ex vivo. At 60 days, LP rats showed inferior body
mass (P=0.003), food intake (P=0.05), and nose-tail length (P=0.0001), compared to NP.
Regarding biochemical assays, LP rats showed higher serum glucose (P=0.008); however,
triglyceride (P=0.002), total cholesterol (P=0.02), and HDL levels (P<0.0001) were lower in
LP animals compared to NP group. LP rats also had minor glucose tolerance (P=0.02) and
greater insulin sensitivity (P=0.01). In the hepatic parameters, LP rats showed an increase in
liver fat (P<0.0001), hepatic triglycerides (P<0.0001), cholesterol (P<0.0001), and liver
weight (P<0.0001). Considering the present data, peripuberty protein restriction induced
metabolic and hepatic dysfunctions at the end of puberty. Therefore, malnourished adolescent
animals are at higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome in adulthood.