title: [DNA and proteins in the liver of rats fed with corn: the importance of expressing the concentration of liver proteins in relation to DNA].
abstract: Variations in liver DNA and protein content were studied in rats fed common corn (diet I) and in another group of rats fed a diet made of corn starch ("maicena"), "chuño" (dried potato), sugar and fat (diet II). The results were compared with those from a control group fed a balanced diet with adequate protein. Diets were administered after weaning, for a period of 90 days. Animals on diets I and II showed an increase in the DNA concentrations per g of liver. Liver protein concentration was expressed in three forms: as mg of protein per g of liver, mg of protein per mg of DNA and mg of protein in the total liver weight. Animals raised on diet II had a decrease in liver protein, which was evident regardless of the way of expressing the results. On the other hand, in rats raised on corn (diet I), the results expressed as mg of protein per g of liver did not show a decrease in liver proteins, while the other two ways of expressing the results demonstrated a decrease in liver protein. It seems that the most trustworthy way to express liver protein concentration is as mg of protein per mg of DNA. The importance of expressing the results of liver protein concentrations as a function of DNA is emphasized and its usefulness demonstrated and discussed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D008099:Liver / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D003313:Zea mays
chemical_list: D011506:Proteins; D004247:DNA
vernacular_title: DNA y proteínas en el hígado de ratas alimentadas con maíz: importancia de expresar la concentración proteínas hepáticas en función del DNA.