Effects of low-gluten rice (W0868) feeding on nutritional status and renal function in mice

Abstract

Objective To observe the effects of low-gluten rice feeding on nutrient metabolism and renal function in mice. Methods Thirty male C57/BL6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into 3 equal groups for dietary intervention with normal chow (control group), common rice mixed at 1 :1 ratio with normal chow (normal rice group), or low-gluten rice mixed at 1 :1 with normal chow (low-gluten rice group). Each mouse was given free access to food separately, and their food intake was monitored on a daily basis. Body weight of the mice was measured once a week during dietary intervention. Urine samples were collected at 4, 8, and 12 weeks during the feeding, and serum and renal tissue samples were obtained at 12 weeks to assess the parameters related with the nutritional status (total protein, albumin, prealbumin, globulin, calcium, and phosphorus levels), renal function (blood creatinine and urea nitrogen), and the urine markers [urine creatinine, urine albumin/urinary creatinine ratio (ACR), β-N-acetylglucosaminide (NAG), and urine protein]. PAS staining was used for pathological examination of the renal tissues of the mice in the 3 groups. Results The average food intake or body weight of the mice did not differ significantly among the 3 groups during the dietary intervention. The nutritional status and the renal function at 12 weeks were similar among the 3 groups. The mice in low-gluten rice group showed a significantly lower level of total urine protein at 12 weeks and lower urine ACR and NAG levels at 4, 8 and 12 weeks than those in the other two groups. None of the mice in the 3 groups showed obvious histopathological changes in the kidneys. Conclusion Low-gluten rice (W0868) diet can significantly reduce urine protein levels to protect the renal function in mice without causing adverse effect on the nutritional status.

Keywords

• low-gluten rice
• urine protein
• nutritional status
• renal function