Abstract
We have developed a noninvasive method for determining the whole-body degradation rates of cytoplasmic tRNA, rRNA and mRNA by measuring specific nearly quantitatively excreted modified RNA-catabolites (ribonucleosides, nucleobases) in urine by HPLC. Our aim is to use RNA degradation rates as indicators of the metabolic state in mammals under metabolic stress. We have found in mammals of various weights (Schoch G et al (1990) Eur J Clin Nutr 44: 647-658) that at metabolic equilibrium the degradation rates of tRNA and rRNA per unit body weight are highly correlated with the basal metabolic rates (BMR) per unit body weight (calculated by the formula: BMR (kJ × d−1) = 240 × kg body weight0.74). We can now show for rats, preterm infants, goats, sheep, human adults and pigs (0.3 - 127 kg) that the degradation rates of mRNA also correlate well with the BMR (r = 0.93, p < 0.01). The degradation rate of mRNA was determined by firstly measuring 7-methylguanine and it's oxidation product 8-hydroxy-7-methylguanine in urine and secondly by subtracting from the total amount the calculable fractions of these catabolites of the degradation of tRNA and rRNA.
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