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Fermentable carbohydrate exerts a urea-lowering effect in normal and nephrectomized rats
1Centre de Recherches en Nutrition Humaine de Clermont-Ferrand/Theix, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, St-Gènes-Champanelle, France.
The American Journal of Physiology
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Dietary fermentable carbohydrates increase cecal fermentation and shift nitrogen excretion from urine to feces. This effect is more pronounced in normal rats than in nephrectomized rats, impacting urea levels differently.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
- Renal Physiology
Background:
- Nondigestible carbohydrates influence gut function and nitrogen metabolism.
- Kidney function impacts nitrogen excretion pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of fermentable carbohydrates on intestinal fermentation and nitrogen excretion in normal and nephrectomized rats.
- To compare the quantitative differences in response between normal and unilaterally nephrectomized rats.
Main Methods:
- Rats were fed diets with varying levels of inulin or potato starch.
- Intestinal fermentation, nitrogen excretion (fecal and urinary), and plasma urea concentrations were measured.
- Nitrogen cycling in the cecum was assessed in normal and nephrectomized rats.
Main Results:
- Fermentable carbohydrates enlarged the cecum, increased short-chain fatty acids, and lowered pH.
- Fecal nitrogen excretion increased significantly, while urinary nitrogen excretion decreased with carbohydrate intake.
- Nephrectomized rats had higher baseline plasma urea, which was reduced by carbohydrates, but to a lesser extent than in normal rats.
- Nitrogen cycling in the cecum was greater in nephrectomized rats, yet fecal nitrogen excretion was similar to normal rats.
Conclusions:
- Fermentable carbohydrates significantly alter nitrogen metabolism and excretion routes.
- Kidney function modulates the host's response to dietary carbohydrates regarding nitrogen handling and urea levels.