Normal Protein Diet Research Articles

Effect of alternate feeding of normal and low protein diet on the growth performance and biochemical composition of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fingerlings

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted with Clarias gariepinus fingerlings to evaluate the effects of alternate mixed feeding schedules of normal and low protein diets on growth and feed utilization. Two experimental diets with crude protein levels of 45% (Diet A – normal protein) and 35% (Diet B – low protein) were prepared using locally available feed ingredients. Four different feeding schedules were implemented: Diet A throughout (T1), 1-day Diet A followed by 1-day Diet B (T2), 2-days Diet A followed by 1-day Diet B (T3), and 1-dayDietA followed by 2-days Diet B (T4). The fish were fed 5% of their body weight twice daily throughout the experiment. The results showed no significant difference in the growth and feed utilization parameters except for the protein efficiency ratio. T4 recorded the highest value for weight gain, specific growth rate, feed and protein efficiency ratio. Similarly, T4 recorded the best feed conversion ratio. Hence, the study showed that alternate feeding of normal and low protein diets has no negative effect on fish growth performance with a possibility of reducing feed cost.

Diet Protein Content and Individual Phenotype Affect Food Intake and Protein Appetence in Rats

BackgroundA low-protein diet can induce compensatory intake of excess energy. This must be better evaluated to anticipate the obesogenic risk that may result from the dietary recommendations for reducing animal protein consumption. ObjectivesWe aimed to further characterize the behavioral and physiological responses to a reduction in dietary protein and to identify the determinants of protein appetite. MethodsThirty-two male Wistar rats [4 wk old, (mean ± SEM) 135 ± 32 g body weight] were fed a low-protein (LP; 6% energy value) or normal-protein (NP; 20%) diet for 8 wk. Food intake and body mass were measured during the entire intervention. During self-selection sessions after 4 wk of experimental diets, we evaluated rat food preference between LP, NP, or high-protein (HP; 55%) pellets. At the end of the experiment, we assessed their hedonic response [ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs)] and c-Fos neuronal activation in the olfactory tubercle and nucleus accumbens (NAcc) associated with an LP or HP meal. ResultsRats fed an LP diet had greater food intake (24%), body weight (5%), and visceral adiposity (30%) than NP rats. All LP rats and half of the NP rats showed a nearly exclusive preference for HP pellets during self-selection sessions, whereas the other half of the NP rats showed no preference. This suggests that the appetite for proteins is driven not only by a low protein status but also by individual traits in NP rats. LP or HP meal induced similar USV emission and similar neuronal activation in the NAcc in feed-deprived LP and NP rats, showing no specific response linked to protein appetite. ConclusionsProtein appetite in rats is driven by low protein status or individual preferences in rats receiving adequate protein amounts. This must be considered and further analyzed, in the context of current recommendations for protein intake reduction.

First, Do No Harm: Critical Appraisal of Protein Restriction for Diabetic Kidney Disease

Low-protein diets have been recommended as diet therapy for the management of chronic kidney disease; however, its effect on chronic kidney disease has not been scientifically proven. Although several studies have reported significantly more favorable results with low-protein diet than with normal-protein diet, the renal protective effects of low-protein diets are still unclear in diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease. Moreover, some studies have reported that extremely low-protein diets may increase the risk of mortality. Thus, this paper describes the effectiveness and safety of low-protein diets for patients with diabetic kidney disease by reviewing the historical background of different low-protein diets that were critically examined in several studies.

Dietary fiber in a low-protein diet during gestation affects nitrogen excretion in primiparous gilts, with possible influences from the gut microbiota.

We investigated the effects of dietary fiber (DF) supplementation in normal or low crude protein (CP) diets on reproductive performance and nitrogen (N) utilization in primiparous gilts. In total, 77 Landrace × Yorkshire pregnant gilts were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The groups comprised 1) equal intake of normal CP (12.82% and 0.61% total lysine), 2) low CP (LP) (10.53% and 0.61% total lysine), and 3) with or 4) without DF supplementation (cellulose, inulin, and pectin in a 34:10:1 ratio). A low-protein diet during gestation significantly reduced daily weight gain from days 91 to 110 of pregnancy (-162.5 g/d, P = 0.004). From N balance trials conducted at days 35 to 38, 65 to 68, and 95 to 98 of pregnancy, DF addition increased fecal N excretion at days 65 to 68 (+24.1%) and 95 to 98 (+13.8%) of pregnancy (P < 0.05) but reduced urinary N excretion (P < 0.05), resulting in greater N retention at each gestational stage. DF increased fecal microbial protein levels and excretion during gestation. An LP diet also reduced urinary N excretion at different gestational stages. An in vitro fermentation trial on culture media with nonprotein N urea and ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3) as the only N sources revealed that microbiota derived from feces of gestating gilts fed the high DF diet exhibited a greater capacity to convert nonprotein N to microbial protein. Microbial fecal diversity, as measured by 16S rRNA sequencing, revealed significant changes from DF but not CP diets. Gilts fed an LP diet had a higher number of stillbirths (+0.83 per litter, P = 0.046) and a lower piglet birth weight (1.52 vs. 1.37 kg, P = 0.006), regardless of DF levels. Collectively, DF supplementation to gestation diets shifted N excretion from urine to feces in the form of microbial protein, suggesting that the microbiota had a putative role in controlling N utilization from DF. Additionally, a low-protein diet during gestation negatively affected the litter performance of gilts.

Effects of protein malnutrition on hematopoietic regulatory activity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Protein malnutrition causes anemia and leukopenia as it reduces hematopoietic precursors and impairs the production of mediators that regulate hematopoiesis. Hematopoiesis occurs in distinct bone marrow niches that modulate the processes of differentiation, proliferation and self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) contribute to the biochemical composition of bone marrow niches by the secretion of several growth factors and cytokines, and they play an important role in the regulation of HSCs and hematopoietic progenitors. In this study, we investigated the effect of protein malnutrition on the hematopoietic regulatory function of MSCs. C57BL/6NTaq mice were divided into control and protein malnutrition groups, which received, respectively, a normal protein diet (12% casein) and a low protein diet (2% casein). The results showed that protein malnutrition altered the synthesis of SCF, TFG-β, Angpt-1, CXCL-12, and G-CSF by MSCs. Additionally, MSCs from the protein malnutrition group were not able to maintain the lymphoid, granulocytic and megakaryocytic-erythroid differentiation capacity compared to the MSCs of the control group. In this way, the comprehension of the role of MSCs on the regulation of the hematopoietic cells, in protein malnutrition states, is for the first time showed. Therefore, we infer that hematopoietic alterations caused by protein malnutrition are due to multifactorial alterations and, at least in part, the MSCs’ contribution to hematological impairment.

A23 DIETARY PROTEIN AND AMINO ACID COMPOSITIONS INFLUENCE MICROBIOTA, INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY, AND SUSCEPTIBILITY TO COLITIS

Abstract Background Environmental factors, such as alterations in diet and microbiota, have been linked to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The incidence of IBD is rising, particularly in Canada and other industrialized nations that consume western-style diets high in fat and protein. While most dietary proteins and amino acids are absorbed in the small intestine, substantial amounts can enter the colon for microbial metabolism and to exert effects on intestinal tissue and immune cells. Prospective cohort studies suggest that diets high in protein are associated with an increased risk of IBD. However, the role of excess dietary protein and amino acids in IBD pathogenesis is not clear. Aims To study whether and how consumption of diets high in protein or amino acids influences intestinal inflammation, colitis severity, and intestinal microbiota. Methods To assess the influence of dietary protein composition on colitis severity, specific pathogen-free C57BL/6 mice were fed isocaloric casein-based purified diets containing low (7%), normal (14%), or high (35%) protein (HPD). Mice were also fed an amino acid-defined diet (AAD) with amino acid and ingredient composition matched to the normal protein diet. Following three weeks of diet consumption ad libitum, mice were continued on the same diet and mucosal injury was induced with 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS; 5 days) followed by water (2 days) before sacrifice. Mice were monitored daily for clinical signs of colitis. Susceptibility to colitis was assessed by analysing stool consistency and blood, microscopic scoring (Cooper score), and by immunohistochemistry of colon tissue. Fecal microbiota (16S rRNA Illumina), intestinal permeability (Ussing chambers), proinflammatory gene expression (NanoString and RT-qPCR), and bacterial translocation (plating) were analysed. Results Following DSS exposure, mice fed HPD and AAD experienced greater weight loss, bacterial translocation to the spleen, stool blood, and diarrhea compared to mice fed the normal protein control diet. While all DSS-treated mice developed colitis, HPD and AAD fed mice also developed greater histologic damage, intestinal permeability, and innate immune cell infiltration. Cytokine profiling revealed that AAD is associated with significant up-regulation of IL-18 during colitis. Principle coordinates analysis based on Bray-Curtis dissimilarities demonstrates distinct shifts in the fecal microbiota of mice fed HPD and AAD. Conclusions These results suggest that excess dietary protein and amino acids are associated with more severe colitis and microbiota alterations in the DSS model. Previous studies demonstrate that IL-18 is up-regulated in IBD patients. Its overexpression may incite inflammation by stimulating cytokine signalling through NFκB and modify microbial community structure by regulating antimicrobial peptides. Funding Agencies CIHRFarncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, Douglas Family Chair in Gastroenterology Research

Dugotrajna primena hlorokina i etanola izaziva ozbiljna morfološka oštećenja bubrega kod pacova na niskoproteinskom režimu ishrane

The aim of the study was to investigate the microscopic renal changes resulting from the concurrent administration of chloroquine and ethanol, with inadequate dietary protein using rats. Sixty-four rats were randomly distributed into eight groups of eight rats each: control groups on normal protein (NPC) or low protein diet (LPC); chloroquine treatment groups on normal protein (NPQ) or low protein diet (LPQ); ethanol treatment groups on normal protein (NPE) or low protein diet (LPE); concurrent chloroquine and ethanol treatment groups on normal protein (NPQE) or low protein diet (LPQE). Chloroquine in 0.9% normal saline was administered weekly to NPQ, LPQ, NPQE, and LPQE. While NPE, LPE, NPQE and LPQE received 6% ethanol in drinking water ad libitum, NPC and LPC received 0.9% normal saline and plain drinking water. After treatment, routine haematoxylin and eosin stain, Masson's trichrome stain for collagen, kidney volume estimation, glomeruli count, immunofluorescence for aquaporin 2 and urine volume estimation were conducted. The results showed a decreased kidney volume in all the experimental groups compared to the control. There was increased collagen fiber deposition and distortion of renal histology in the experimental groups compared to control. Concurrent administration of chloroquine and alcohol causes distortion of kidney histology and derangements of renal function in the low protein-fed rats and can cause kidney failure.

Intrauterine Low-Protein Diet Exacerbates Abnormal Development of the Urinary System in Gen1-Mutant Mice

Background: Gen1 mutation can cause various phenotypes of congenital anomaly of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). An intrauterine low-protein isocaloric diet can also cause CAKUT phenotypes in offspring. However, single factors such as gene mutation or abnormal environmental factor during pregnancy can only explain part of the pathogenesis of CAKUT. Objectives: A low-protein isocaloric diet was fed to Gen1-mutant mice throughout pregnancy to establish a Gen1-mutant mouse model exposed to a low-protein isocaloric intrauterine environment. The mice were divided into 4 groups: normal (22%) protein diet (ND) + wild-type mice (CON group), ND + Gen1^PB/+ mice (Gen1^PB/+ group), low (6%)-protein isocaloric diet (LD) + wild-type mice (LD group), and the LD + Gen1^PB/+ groups. Methods: The experimental design included observing proportion and distribution of CAKUT phenotypes of neonatal mice; evaluating the number of ureteric buds (UBs) on embryonic day (E) 11.5, the location of UBs on E11.5, and length of the common nephric duct (CND); isolating embryonic kidneys on E11.5 from the Gen1^PB/+ group and culturing embryonic kidneys in medium containing 10% serum or serum-free medium to observe the branching of UBs; and detecting the p-PLCγ, p-Akt, and p-ERK1/2 in UBs and CND on E11.5, as well as the apoptosis and proliferation of tissues by immunofluorescence staining. Results: We found that the incidence of CAKUT in offspring of Gen1^PB/+ mice under an intrauterine low-protein isocaloric diet environment was significantly increased, and a duplicated collecting system was the dominant phenotype of CAKUT. During the early stage of metanephric development, ectopic protrusion of UBs may appear and lower locations of UBs in Gen1^PB/+ mice under an intrauterine low-protein isocaloric diet environment and the number of UB branches in the serum-free culture condition significantly decreased. Further examination revealed that p-PLCγ signaling and tissue apoptosis were abnormal in UBs and the CND at the early stage of kidney development. Conclusions: The aforementioned findings suggest that an intrauterine low-protein isocaloric diet can aggravate the occurrence of CAKUT in Gen1-mutant mice, which might affect key steps in the metanephric development, such as the protrusion of UBs, which might be related to mediate UBs and CND apoptosis through p-PLCγ signaling.

Effects of Low Protein Diet on Modulating Gut Microbiota in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of International Studies.

Background: Although associations between low protein diet (LPD) and changes of gut microbiota have been reported; however, systematic discernment of the effects of LPD on diet-microbiome-host interaction in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is lacking.Methods: We searched PUBMED and EMBASE for articles published on changes of gut microbiota associated with implementation of LPD in CKD patients until July 2021. Independent researchers extracted data and assessed risks of bias. We conducted meta-analyses of combine p-value, mean differences and random effects for gut microbiota and related metabolites. Study heterogeneity was measured by Tau2 and I2 statistic. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.Results: Five articles met inclusion criteria. The meta-analyses of gut microbiota exhibited enrichments of Lactobacillaceae (meta-p= 0.010), Bacteroidaceae (meta-p= 0.048) and Streptococcus anginosus (meta-p< 0.001), but revealed depletion of Bacteroides eggerthii (p=0.017) and Roseburia faecis (meta-p=0.019) in LPD patients compared to patients undergoing normal protein diet. The serum IS levels (mean difference: 0.68 ug/mL, 95% CI: -8.38-9.68, p= 0.89) and pCS levels (mean difference: -3.85 ug/mL, 95% CI: -15.49-7.78, p < 0.52) did not change between groups. We did not find significant differences on renal function associated with change of microbiota between groups (eGFR, mean difference: -7.21 mL/min/1.73 m2, 95% CI: -33.2-18.79, p= 0.59; blood urea nitrogen, mean difference: -6.8 mg/dL, 95% CI: -46.42-32.82, p= 0.74). Other clinical (sodium, potassium, phosphate, albumin, fasting sugar, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein and hemoglobin) and anthropometric estimates (body mass index, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure) did not differ between the two groups.Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that the effects of LPD on the microbiota were observed predominantly at the families and species levels but minimal on microbial diversity or richness. In the absence of global compositional microbiota shifts, the species-level changes appear insufficient to alter metabolic or clinical outputs.

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF SOURCE PLANTS OF DUGDHIKA (EUPHORBIA HIRTA LINN. AND EUPHORBIA THYMIFOLIA LINN.) FOR ANABOLIC ACTIVITY: AN IN VIVO STUDY

Rajakshavaka a drug, mentioned in Brimhaniya Maha Kashaya Gana of Charaka is mentioned as Dugdhika by Chakrapani in his commentary and in Bhava Prakasha KC Chunekar commentary, 4 sources are mentioned for the same. Among 4 sources only 2 sources are locally available i.e., Euphorbia hirta Linn and Euphorbia thymifolia Linn. These 2 sources were selected to evaluate Brimhana (Anabolic) action experimentally to understand the better source plant for Dugdhika among locally available sources. The objective of the Study is to experimentally evaluate the drug Dugdhika (Europhobia hirta Linn. Europhobia thymifolia Linn) with respect to its anabolic activity. Anabolic activity was estimated in Wistar rats by administering Hydro-alcoholic extract of Euphorbia hirta Linn (HAEEH) and Euphorbia thymifolia Linn (HAEET) with Normal and High Protein Diet (HPD: Protein – 39.4%, Fat – 10.0%, Fibre – 4.3%, Carbohydrates - 7.0 %). Anabolism was evidenced by physical parameters (Weight, Nose to Anus length, Chest Circumference, Abdominal circumference, BMI), Lean body mass (LBM), Fat body mass (FBM) and Biochemical and Haematological parameters. Both the sources of Dugdhika (Euphorbia hirta Linn and Euphorbia thymifolia Linn) showed significant anabolic action. But, among the two sources Euphorbia thymifolia Linn was more significant compared to Euphorbia hirta Linn with HPD. The obtained results revealed that, among the two locally available sources of Dugdhika (Euphorbia hirta Linn and Euphorbia thymifolia Linn) Euphorbia thymifolia Linn is a better source plant for Brimhana action.

Combination of non-protein nitrogen and N‑carbamylglutamate supplementation improves growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics in finishing pigs fed low protein diets

This study was conducted to determine whether supplemental non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and/or N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) in the low protein diet enhance the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs. A total of 150 (Duroc boar× (Landrace boar × Yorkshire) sow) finishing pigs (initially body weight 74.3 ± 3.8 kg) were blocked by weight and sex, and allotted to one 5 treatments with 6 replicate pens (3 barrows and 2 gilts per pen). Diets were normal protein diet (NP, crude protein (CP) 136.4 g/kg), low protein diet (LP, CP 111.4 g/kg), LP supplemented with 0.8 g/kg NCG (LNCG, CP 111.8 g/kg), LP supplemented with 7.1 g/kg NPN (LNPN, CP 119.8 g/kg), and LP supplemented with 7.1 g/kg NPN and 0.8 g/kg NCG (LNN, CP 120.3 g/kg) and fed to pigs for 40 days. At the end of the experiment, 30 pigs (one barrow per pen) were slaughtered to evaluate carcass traits and meat quality. Compared to the LP group, the combination of NPN and NCG supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.05) the average daily gain (ADG) of finishing pigs. The coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD) of gross energy (GE), crude protein (CP) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) in LP group were lower (P < 0.05) than that in the NP group, while LNN group significantly increased (P < 0.05) the CATTD of GE, CP, ether extraction (EE), neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) and ADF when compared with LP group. Similarly, the concentrations of arginine, isoleucine, threonine, glycine, serine, tyrosine, and citrulline in the serum of pigs fed LNN diet were higher (P < 0.05) than that in those pigs fed LP diet. The carcass traits and meat quality did not differ between the NP group and the LP group, but the combination of NPN and NCG supplementation in LP diet significantly increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of intramuscular fat. Compared to NP group, LP group increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of C16:0 and decreased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of C20:4, C22:6 and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in the M. longissimus lumborum of finishing pigs, and LNN group further decreased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of C18:2 and PUFA when compared with the LP group. This study indicates that dietary supplementation with both NPN and NCG has important complementary advantages in improving the growth performance and meat quality of finishing pigs fed low protein diet balanced with amino acids.

Effect of Overeating Dietary Protein at Different Levels on Circulating Lipids and Liver Lipid: The PROOF Study.

Background: During overeating, a low protein diet slowed the rate of weight gain and increased the energy cost of the added weight, suggesting that low protein diets reduced energy efficiency. The Protein Overfeeding (PROOF) study explored the metabolic changes to low and high protein diets, and this sub-study examined the changes in body composition and blood lipids when eating high and low protein diets during overeating. Methods: Twenty-three healthy volunteers (M = 14; F = 9) participated in an 8-week, parallel arm study where they were overfed by ~40% with diets containing 5% (LPD = low protein diet), 15% (NPD = normal protein diet), or 25% (HPD = high protein diet) protein. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and computer tomography (CT) were used to quantify whole body and abdominal fat and intrahepatic lipid, respectively. Metabolites were measured by standard methods. Results: Protein intake and fat intake were inversely related since carbohydrate intake was fixed. Although overeating the LPD diet was associated with a significant increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (p < 0.001) and free fatty acids (p = 0.034), and a significant decrease in fat free mass (p < 0.0001) and liver density (p = 0.038), statistical models showed that dietary protein was the main contributor to changes in fat free mass (p = 0.0040), whereas dietary fat was the major predictor of changes in HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.014), free fatty acids (p = 0.0016), and liver fat (p = 0.0007). Conclusions: During 8 weeks of overeating, the level of dietary protein intake was positively related to the change in fat free mass, but not to the change in HDL-cholesterol, free fatty acids, and liver fat which were, in contrast, related to the intake of dietary fat.

Tau‐induced brain atrophy and neuroinflammation accelerated by low‐protein diet and decelerated by selected essential amino acids in a murine model of tauopathies

AbstractBackgroundNutritional epidemiology has implicated dietary protein intake in senile dementias. However, mechanistic links of protein and amino acids to age‐related neurodegenerative conditions remain unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that dietary intake of protein and amino acids could affect neuronal functions and survival in a mouse model of tauopathies, which develops tau pathologies leading to progressive brain atrophy with aging.MethodsNon‐transgenic (nTg) and tauopathy model (rTg4510) mice were fed a normal protein diet (NPD) or low protein diet (LPD) from 3 months of age, and brain volume and tau pathologies were measured at 6.5 months of age by MRI and PET, respectively. These imaging assays were also applied to NPD‐ and LPD‐fed mice treated with essential amino acids (EAAs), seven essential amino acids (EAAs), which are primarily composed of leucine, phenylalanine, and lysine with high fluxes into the brain and contain minimum levels of tryptophan, an origin of inflammation‐related kynurenine pathways. Moreover, we performed gene expression profiling of the cortical tissues collected from these mice.ResultsLPD profoundly accelerated the brain atrophy in rTg4510 mice relative to NPD. EAA supplementation to rTg4510 mice markedly suppressed cortical volume reductions in both LPD‐ and NPD‐fed rTg4510. LPD and EAA did not overtly alter PET‐detectable tau depositions uncorrected for atrophy‐induced partial volume effects, raising a possibility of decreased tau burdens in each of surviving neurons to some extent. Gene expression profiling demonstrated neuroinflammatory changes and neuronal dysfunctions in rTg4510 mice, which were worsened by LPD and attenuated by EAAs. Notably, kynurenine levels were elevated by LPD, and this alteration was reversed by EEAs, presumably by competition between EEAs and kynurenine on the entry into the brain.ConclusionOur findings highlight the critical roles of specific EEAs in the protection of neurons against tau‐induced toxicity and neuroinflammation.

Effect of the intake of high and normal protein diets with different sources of dietary protein on insulin resistance in subjects with obesity: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Effect of the intake of high and normal protein diets with different sources of dietary protein on insulin resistance in subjects with obesity: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Effect of the intake of dietary protein on insulin resistance in subjects with obesity: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

We compared the effect of diets with different amounts and sources of dietary protein on insulin sensitivity (IS) in subjects with obesity and insulin resistance (IR). Eighty subjects with obesity (BMI ≥ 30kg/m2) and IR (Matsuda index < 4.3 and HOMA-IR ≥ 2.5) over 18years old were randomized to four groups for a one-month period: a normal protein diet (< 20%) with a predominance of animal protein (Animal NP) or vegetable protein (Vegetable NP) and a high-protein diet (25-30%) with a predominance of animal protein (Animal HP) or vegetable protein (Vegetable HP). Baseline and final measurements of body weight, body composition, biochemical parameters, blood pressure (BP), resting energy expenditure and plasma amino acid profiles were performed. Body weight, BMI and waist circumference decreased in all groups. Interestingly, the IS improved more in the Animal HP (Matsuda index; 1.39 vs 2.58, P = 0.003) and in the Vegetable HP groups (Matsuda index; 1.44 vs 3.14, P < 0.0001) after one month. The fat mass, triglyceride levels, C-reactive protein levels and the leptin/adiponectin index decreased; while, the skeletal muscle mass increased in the Animal and Vegetable HP groups. The BP decreased in all groups except the Animal NP group. Our study demonstrates that a high-protein hypocaloric diets improves IS by 60-90% after one month in subjects with obesity and IR, regardless of weight loss and the source of protein, either animal or vegetable. The trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03627104), August 13, 2018.

Low protein diets for non-diabetic adults with chronic kidney disease.

Low protein diets for non-diabetic adults with chronic kidney disease.

A High Protein Calorie Restriction Diet Alters the Gut Microbiome in Obesity.

Background: High protein calorie restriction diets have shown clinical efficacy for obesity, but the mechanisms are not fully known. The intestinal microbiome is a mediator of obesity and preclinical data support an effect of high protein diet (HPD) on the gut microbiome of obesity, but there are few studies in humans. Methods: To address this, we conducted a dietary intervention trial of 80 overweight and obese subjects who were randomized to a calorie-restricted high protein diet (HPD) (30% calorie intake) or calorie-restricted normal protein diet (NPD) (15%) for 8 weeks. Baseline dietary intake patterns were assessed by the Diet History Questionnaire III. Longitudinal fecal sampling was performed at baseline, week 1, week 2, week 4, week 6, and week 8, for a total of 365 samples. Intestinal microbiome composition was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: At baseline, microbial composition was associated with fiber and protein intake. Subjects on the HPD showed a significant increase in microbial diversity as measured by the Shannon index compared to those on the NPD. The HPD was also associated with significant differences in microbial composition after treatment compared to the NPD. Both diets induced taxonomic shifts compared to baseline, including enrichment of Akkermansia spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. and depletion of Prevotella spp. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that weight loss diets alter the gut microbiome in obesity and suggest differential effects of HPDs compared to NPDs which may influence the clinical response to HPD.

Paternal low protein diet and the supplementation of methyl-donors impact fetal growth and placental development in mice

IntroductionPaternal low-protein diet can alter sperm methylation status, fetal growth and program offspring ill-health, however its impact on the placenta remains poorly defined. Here we examine the influence paternal low-protein diet has on fetal and placental development and the additional impact of supplementary methyl-donors on fetoplacental physiology. MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were fed a control normal protein diet (NPD; 18% protein), a low-protein diet (LPD; 9% protein) or LPD with methyl-donor supplementation (MD-LPD; choline chloride, betaine, methionine, folic acid, vitamin B12) for a minimum of 8 weeks. Males were mated with 8–11 week old female C57BL/6J mice and fetal and placental tissue collected on embryonic day 17.5. ResultsPaternal LPD was associated with increased fetal weights compared to NPD and MD-LPD with 22% fetuses being above the 90th centile for fetal weight. However, LPD and MD-LPD placental weights were reduced when compared to NPD. Placentas from LPD fathers demonstrated a reduced junctional zone area and reduced free-fatty acid content. MD-LPD placentas did not mirror these finding, demonstrating an increased chorion area, a reduction in junctional-specific glycogen staining and reduced placental Dnmt3bexpression, none of which were apparent in either NPD or LPD placentas. DiscussionA sub-optimal paternal diet can influence fetal growth and placental development, and dietary methyl-donor supplementation alters placental morphology and gene expression differentially to that observed with LPD alone. Understanding how paternal diet and micro-nutrient supplementation influence placental development is crucial for determining connections between paternal well-being and future offspring health.

Low-Protein Diet Supplemented with Medium-Chain Fatty Acid Glycerides Improves the Growth Performance and Intestinal Function in Post-Weaning Piglets.

Simple SummaryAfter weaning, piglets cannot absorb protein well and cannot get enough energy from the diet due to intestinal dysplasia. Medium-chain fatty acids are very effective in providing energy for piglets and may protect the integrity of the intestinal barrier to improve the healthy development of piglets. Therefore, we speculate that medium chain fatty acid glycerides can promote the growth of weaned piglets in a low protein diet. The present study examined the effects of medium-chain fatty acid glycerides on the growth performance, intestinal barrier function and inflammatory response of weaned piglets. These findings provide a new prospect for the application of medium-chain fatty acid triglycerides in piglets.Medium-chain fatty acid glycerides have been shown to provide energy for rapid oxidation in the body. The study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with medium-chain fatty acid glyceride on the growth performance and intestinal health of weaned piglets fed with a low-protein diet. Nighty healthy weaned piglets were randomly divided into five treatments: NP (Normal protein treatment, normal-protein diet no antibiotics included); NC (Negative control, low-protein diet no antibiotics included); PC (Positive control, low-protein diet +75 mg/kg quinocetone, 20 mg/kg virginiamycin and 50 mg/kg aureomycin); MCT (tricaprylin + tricaprin treatment, low-protein diet + tricaprylin + tricaprin); GML (glycerol monolaurate treatment, low-protein diet + glycerol monolaurate). The results showed that the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of the MCT treatment was significantly higher than that of the NP, NC treatments (p < 0.05). In the jejunum, the villus height of the GML treatment was significantly lower than that of the PC treatment (p < 0.05), and the number of goblet cells in the GML treatment was higher than that in the NC treatment (p < 0.05). Compared with the NC treatment, the MCT treatment significantly increased the level of claudin-1, Zonula occludens-1(ZO-1), while the GML treatment significantly increased the level of claudin-1, occludin, ZO-1 (p < 0.05). In the ileum, the level of ZO-1 in the GML treatment was significantly higher than that in the NP, NC, PC treatments (p < 0.05). Compared with the NC treatment, the GML treatment significantly increased the level of Secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in the ileum and serum, while the MCT treatment significantly increased the level of SIgA and decreased the level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the ileum (p < 0.05). These results showed that the addition of medium-chain fatty acid glycerides to a low-protein diet could improve the growth performance and intestinal functional barrier of weaned piglets and also improve the immune function of weaned piglets.

Perinatal protein malnutrition induces the emergence of enduring effects and age-related impairment behaviors, increasing the death risk in a mouse model

ABSRACT Background Early-life adversity impacts on the offspring’s brain development and is associated with a higher risk of developing age-associated diseases. In particular, perinatal protein malnutrition appears to be one of the most critical nutritional deficiencies affecting the individual’s health and survival, but little is known about its effects on the persistence of behavioral alterations throughout life. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate how perinatal protein malnutrition impacts on age-related changes in the neuromuscular, cognitive and behavioral functions throughout life in a mouse model. Methods One group of CF-1 dams received a normal-protein diet (NP: 20% casein) during gestation and lactation, whereas another group received a low-protein diet (LP: 10% casein). The offspring of both groups were analyzed by means of several behavioral tests at four different ages (young: 6–10 weeks old, mature: 22–26 weeks old, middle age: 39–43 weeks old, and old: 55–59 weeks old). Results Regarding neuromuscular functions, LP mice showed an early deterioration in muscular strength and a reduction in the body weight throughout life. Regarding behavior, while NP mice showed an age-related reduction of exploratory behavior, LP mice showed a constantly low level of this behavior, as well as high anxiety-like behavior, which remained at high levels throughout life. Regarding cognitive functions, LP mice showed deteriorated working memory at middle age. Finally, LP mice died 3.4 times earlier than NP mice. Analysis of the sex-related vulnerability showed that females and males were equally affected by perinatal protein malnutrition throughout life. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that perinatal protein malnutrition induces enduring and age-related impairment behaviors, which culminate in higher death risk, affecting males and females equally.