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Nutrient-gene interactions in mitochondrial function: vitamin A needs are increased in BHE/Cdb rats
Helen B Everts1, Carolyn D Berdanier
1Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA.
IUBMB Life
|March 11, 2003
Summary
Diabetes-prone BHE/Cdb rats with mitochondrial defects need more vitamin A. Optimizing oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in these rats requires a higher dietary intake of vitamin A compared to normal rats.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
- Genetics
Background:
- BHE/Cdb rats possess a mutation in the mitochondrial ATPase 6 gene, leading to impaired oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glucose intolerance.
- Previous longevity studies indicated that a diet rich in eggs (and vitamin A) could delay glucose intolerance onset in these rats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if BHE/Cdb rats have a higher dietary requirement for vitamin A than normal rats.
- To determine the optimal dietary vitamin A levels for mitochondrial OXPHOS in BHE/Cdb rats.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: A dose-response study assessed OXPHOS in BHE/Cdb rats across six different vitamin A dietary levels.
- Experiment 2: BHE/Cdb and Sprague-Dawley rats were depleted of vitamin A and then repleted with either 4 or 12 IU of vitamin A per gram of diet. Vitamin A status was monitored.
Main Results:
- Mitochondrial OXPHOS was optimized at 4 IU/g diet for Sprague-Dawley rats.
- Mitochondrial OXPHOS was optimized at a higher level of 12 IU/g diet for BHE/Cdb rats.
Conclusions:
- The optimization of mitochondrial OXPHOS serves as a key indicator for adequate vitamin A intake in BHE/Cdb rats.
- Diabetes-prone BHE/Cdb rats exhibit an increased dietary requirement for vitamin A compared to normal rats.