Diabetes in Old Male Offspring of Rats Fed a Low Protein Diet
Author Information
Author(s): CLIVE J. PETRY, MATTHEW W. DORLING, DOROTA B. PAWLAK, SUSAN E. OZANNE, C. NICHOLAS HALES
Primary Institution: University of Cambridge
Hypothesis
The study aims to assess the glucose tolerance of old male rats that were growth restricted due to maternal protein restriction during gestation and lactation.
Conclusion
Early growth retardation due to maternal protein restriction leads to the development of diabetes in old male rat offspring, primarily associated with insulin resistance.
Supporting Evidence
- Low protein offspring had significantly higher fasting plasma glucose concentrations.
- Areas under the glucose curves were 67% higher in the low protein rats than in the controls.
- Fasting plasma insulin concentrations were significantly higher in the low protein offspring.
Takeaway
If baby rats don't get enough protein from their moms, they might have trouble with sugar later when they grow up.
Methodology
The study involved feeding rat mothers either a control diet or a low protein diet during gestation and lactation, followed by glucose tolerance tests on their male offspring at 17 months of age.
Limitations
The study did not observe frank diabetes in younger rats, and the effects of aging on glucose tolerance were not fully explored.
Participant Demographics
Male Wistar rats aged 17 months.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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