The Epigenetic Legacy of Maternal Protein Restriction: Renal DNA Methylation Changes in Hypertensive Rat Offspring.

Nutrient imbalances during gestation are a risk factor for hypertension in offspring. Although the effects of prenatal nutritional deficiency on the development of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in adulthood have been extensively documented, its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the precise role and functional significance of epigenetic modifications in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

Low-arginine and low-protein diets induce hepatic lipid accumulation through different mechanisms in growing rats.

Background: Dietary protein deficiency and amino acid imbalance cause hepatic fat accumulation. We previously demonstrated that only arginine deficiency or total amino acid deficiency in a diet caused significant hepatic triglyceride (TG) accumulation in young Wistar rats. In this study, we explored the mechanisms of fatty liver formation in these models.

Integrated omics profiling of dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitic mice supplemented with Wolfberry ().

We used a multi-omics profiling approach to investigate the suppressive effects of 2% Wolfberry (WOL)-enriched diets on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. It was observed that in mice fed the WOL diet, the disease activity index, colon shortening, plasma concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-3 and relative mesenteric fat weight were significantly improved as compared to the DSS group. Results from colon transcriptome and proteome profiles showed that WOL supplementation significantly ameliorated the expression of genes and proteins associated with the integrity of the colonic mucosal wall and colonic inflammation.

Maternal Protein Restriction Alters the Renal DNA Methylation State in SHRSP Offspring.

We previously reported that maternal protein restriction (LP) during pregnancy increases salt sensitivity in offspring using the Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHRSP). In the present study, we focus on DNA methylation profiles of prostaglandin E receptor 1 gene (), which is known to be associated with hypertension. We evaluated the DNA methylation status via bisulfite sequencing, and analyzed the expression of -related genes.

Branched-chain amino acid supplementation restores reduced insulinotropic activity of a low-protein diet through the vagus nerve in rats.

Background: Previously, we reported that a low-protein diet significantly reduced insulin secretion in response to feeding within 1 h in rats, suggesting that the insulinotropic effect of dietary protein plays an important role in maintaining normal insulin release. The current study aimed to elucidate whether deficiency of certain amino acids could diminish the insulinotropic activity and to investigate whether reduced insulin secretion in response to a low-protein diet is restored by supplementation with certain amino acids.

Methods: First, we fed male Wistar rats (5-6 rats per group) with diets deficient in every single amino acid or three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs); within 1-2 h after the onset of feeding, we measured the plasma insulin levels by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Supplemental arginine above the requirement during suckling causes obesity and insulin resistance in rats.

Nutrition in early life is important in determining susceptibility to adult obesity, and arginine may promote growth acceleration in infants. We hypothesized that maternal arginine supplementation may promote growth in their pups and contribute to obesity and alteration of the metabolic system in later life. Dams and pups of Wistar rats were given a normal diet (15% protein) as a control (CN) or a normal diet with 2% arginine (ARG).

Optimized method for determining free L-cysteine in rat plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography with the 4-aminosulfonyl-7-fluoro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole conversion reagent.

The analytical method was optimized for L-cysteine (Cys) in rat plasma with co-existing L-cystine (Cyss). We observed that more than 100% Cyss in rat plasma was converted to Cys under typical conditions for the conversion with 7-fluoro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole-4-sulfonate (SBD-F). Another conversion reagent, 4-aminosulfonyl-7-fluoro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (ABD-F), was then employed, with which the reaction could be carried out at a low temperature without the use of a reducing reagent.

Sardine peptide with angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity improves glucose tolerance in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats.

An enzymatic hydrolysate of sardine protein (sardine peptide, SP) derived from sardine muscle possesses angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. In the present study, we investigated the effect of SP on the blood glucose levels in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSPs). Ten-week-old SHRSPs were assigned to three groups.

Reduction of salt sensitivity in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats administered an AT1 receptor antagonist during suckling.

Background: In this study, antihypertensive therapy was started during suckling and the effect on blood pressure (BP) and salt sensitivity of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) was determined.

Methods: The SHRSP were treated with an AT1 receptor antagonist (losartan: 100 mg/L in drinking water) from 2 to 4 weeks of age. After stopping treatment at 4 weeks of age, the control group and the losartan group were fed a commercial diet with tap water ad libitum until 10 weeks of age.

The effects of maternal mild protein restriction on stroke incidence and blood pressure in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP).

The effect of maternal protein restriction during pregnancy on the offspring's blood pressure was assessed in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) which are genetically predisposed to hypertension and stroke. After the confirmation of pregnancy, the control group was given a 20% casein diet, and the low-protein group was fed a 9% casein diet. After the confirmation of delivery, commercial feed was given to both of the groups.