Effects of a low-protein diet on plasma amino acid and homocysteine levels and oxidative status in rats.
OBJECTIVE
Transmethylation reactions and antioxidant metabolism are linked by transsulfuration, where homocysteine (Hcy) is converted to cysteine and reduced glutathione (GSH). Low protein intake can modulate the balance of this metabolic reaction. The aim of the present investigation was to study the effect of a low-protein diet on Hcy metabolism by monitoring levels of the amino acids involved in these pathways, and relating these levels to GSH levels and lipid peroxidation in rats.


METHODS
Sixteen rats were divided into 2 groups: control (C; standard AIN-93 diet, 20% protein) and low-protein diet (LPD; 8% protein diet). Rats in both groups were placed on the diets for 28 days.


RESULTS
A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in plasma Hcy concentration was found in LPD rats (0.16 +/- 0.04 micromol/mg protein) versus C rats (0.25 +/- 0.03 micromol/mg protein). Methionine levels were not significantly different between the 2 groups (C: 1.24 +/- 0.22 micromol/mg protein; LPD: 1.03 +/- 0.27 micromol/mg protein). A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in hepatic GSH concentrations (C: 44 +/- 10 micromol/mg protein; LPD: 17.4 +/- 4.3 micromol/mg protein) was accompanied by an increase in lipid peroxidation (C: 0.13 +/- 0.01 micromol/mg protein; LPD: 0.17 +/- 0.02 micromol/mg protein; r = -0.62, p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Hcy levels were reduced under a low-protein diet, resulting in modulated methyl balance and reduced GSH formation leading to increased susceptibility of hepatic cells to oxidative events.
Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
Rafael
R
Deminice
Guilherme Vannucchi
GV
Portari
Julio Sergio
JS
Marchini
Helio
H
Vannucchi
Alceu Afonso
AA
Jordao
D000596:Amino Acids / Q000097:blood*; D000818:Animals; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D001835:Body Weight; D003404:Creatinine / Q000652:urine; D004032:Diet; D018753:Diet, Protein-Restricted; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood; D005978:Glutathione / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000502:physiology; D008099:Liver / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012044:Regression Analysis; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000097:blood
D000596:Amino Acids; D001798:Blood Proteins; D006710:Homocysteine; D005492:Folic Acid; D003404:Creatinine; D005978:Glutathione; D014805:Vitamin B 12