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Effect of diet on tissue protease activity
M Benuck1, M Banay-Schwartz, T DeGuzman
1Nathan S. Kline Institute, Center for Neurochemistry, Orangeburg, New York, NY 10962, USA.
Journal of Neuroscience Research
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Dietary protein restriction significantly alters proteolytic enzyme activity in rat tissues, with notable changes in cathepsin D and calpain observed across different ages and organs.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Proteolytic enzymes play crucial roles in cellular homeostasis.
- Dietary protein intake is known to influence metabolic processes.
- Age-related changes in enzyme activity are common but not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of low-protein diets on proteolytic enzyme activity in rat tissues.
- To determine age-dependent responses to dietary protein restriction.
- To examine the effects of fatty acid and antioxidant supplementation on these enzymes.
Main Methods:
- Rats of different ages (1, 3, 12, 24 months) were fed a low-protein (8% casein) diet.
- Proteolytic activity of cathepsin D and calpain was measured in brain, liver, and lung tissues.
- Specific groups received diets supplemented with fatty acids or antioxidants.
Main Results:
- Low-protein diet increased cathepsin D activity in liver and calpain activity in lung in young rats.
- Older rats showed increased cathepsin D in brain and liver.
- Supplementation altered calpain activity but increased cathepsin D in young and adult rats.
Conclusions:
- Dietary changes significantly alter tissue calpain and cathepsin D levels and activity in vivo.
- Cathepsin D exhibited greater sensitivity to dietary changes than calpain.
- Proteolytic activity changes were less pronounced in brain tissue compared to liver and lung.