Chelation of intestinal phosphate absorption and experimental glomerulosclerosis

Dietary phosphate has recently been recognized as a factor which might influence the rate of progression of a chronic renal disease. In order to examine the role of dietary phosphate, 1&3/4 partially nephrectomized rats (Nx) were fed Purina rat chow supplemented with either 15 g % dihydroxyaluminum aminoacetate (DHAAA), chelator of intestinal phosphate absorption, or 15 g % of half and half mixture of glycine and gum arabic. At the end of the 7th week, renal functional parameters, blood pressure, plasma electrolytes, parathyroid glands, and renal morphology were examined. Nx with chelator demonstrated a statistically lower value of BUN, plasma creatinine, plasma phosphate, systolic blood pressure, renal weight, glomerulosclerosis index, and 24 hours' urinary protein output than Nx without chelator. Nx without chelator showed larger parathyroid glands than Nx with chelator. Under the experimental condition, the inhibition of intestinal phosphate absorption in rats with subtotal nephrectomy delayed the progression of glomerulosclerosis, preserved the renal function, and prevented the enlargement of parathyroid glands.