Low-protein diet does not alter reproductive, biochemical, and hematological parameters in pregnant Wistar rats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the reproductive, biochemical, and hematological outcomes of pregnant rats exposed to protein restriction. Wistar rat dams were fed a control normal-protein (NP, 17% protein, n=8) or a low-protein (LP, 8% protein, n=14) diet from the 1st to the 20th day of pregnancy. On the 20th day, the clinical signs of toxicity were evaluated. The pregnant rats were then anesthetized and blood samples were collected for biochemical-hematological analyses, and laparotomy was performed to evaluate reproductive parameters. No sign of toxicity, or differences (P>0.05) in body weight gain and biochemical parameters (urea, creatinine, albumin, globulin, and total protein) between NP and LP pregnant dams were observed. Similarly, hematological data, including red blood cell count, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell distribution width (coefficient of variation), mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, % lymphocytes, absolute lymphocyte count, platelet count, and mean platelet volume were similar (P>0.05) at the end of pregnancy. Reproductive parameters (the dam-offspring relationship, ovary mass, placenta mass, number of corpora lutea, implantation index, resorption index, and the pre- and post-implantation loss rates) were also not different (P>0.05) between NP and LP pregnant dams. The present data showed that a protein-restricted diet during pregnancy did not alter reproductive, biochemical, and hematological parameters and seems not to have any toxic effect on pregnant Wistar rats.

Hepatocyte ballooning and steatosis in early and late gestation without liver malfunction: Effects of low protein/high carbohydrate diet

“…We did not find significant changes in other hepatic serum biomarkers. These results are consistent with other studies with protein restriction, where biochemical and hematological parameters were not altered, and seemingly not to have any damage effect on pregnant rats [ 25 ].…”

Protein Restriction in the Peri-Pubertal Period Induces Autonomic Dysfunction and Cardiac and Vascular Structural Changes in Adult Rats

“…This is the first demonstration of adult neurogenic hypertension programmed in the peri-pubertal period, while other studies have addressed the effect of low protein diet on blood pressure just after the exposure to the insult ( Loss et al, 2007 ; Penitente et al, 2007 ; Del Carmen Miñana-Solis and Escobar, 2008 ; Martins et al, 2011 ; Murca et al, 2012 ; Gomide et al, 2013 ; Penitente et al, 2014 ; Cappelli et al, 2018 ). In the context of DOHaD concept the studies have explored an earlier susceptible window of development, the peri-natal period ( Latorraca et al, 1998 ; De Oliveira et al, 2011 ; De Brito Alves et al, 2014 ; De Oliveira et al, 2014 ; Nascimento et al, 2014 ; Barros et al, 2015 ; De Oliveira et al, 2016 ; Ferreira et al, 2016 ; Paulino-Silva and Costa-Silva, 2016 ; Rossini et al, 2017 ; Barros et al, 2018 ; Martins et al, 2018 ; Assalin et al, 2019 ; Ferreira et al, 2019 ). The exact stimulus to the neurogenic hypertension is difficult to determine as the LP animals were hypophagic during the period of protein restriction, which also induced a caloric-restriction in peri-puberty, and a critical window of development ( De Oliveira et al, 2013 ; De Oliveira et al, 2018 ).…”

Sargassum hystrix as a Source of Functional Food to Improve Blood Biochemistry Profiles of Rats under Stress

“…Malta et al (2014) reported that low-protein diets induces weak hallmarks of metabolic malfunctions in rats later in life. Barros et al (2018) also suggested that a protein-restricted diet during pregnancy does not alter reproductive, biochemical, and hematological parameters of Wistar rats.…”