Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common vascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) which needs weight control and caloric restriction, especially for protein. A protein-restricted diet with ketoacids reduces the intake of nitrogen while avoiding the harmful consequences of inadequate dietary protein intake.
Objective: This study examined the safety and effectiveness of a free-protein diet with ketoacid analogues (KAA) in diabetic rats with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Material and methods: Adult male albino rats (n=60) were induced with diabetes mellitus using streptozotocin and grouped into six vis: (1) Control group rats received standard diet (2) Normal rats received low protein diet (3) Diabetic control rats received standard diet (4) Diabetic rats received low protein diet (5) Diabetic rats received α-keto amino acids with low protein diet (6) Diabetic rats received α-keto amino acids with free protein diet. The body weights of the rats were measured weekly, and the urine volume recorded for 24 hours. After 12 weeks of treatment, the rats were euthanized using halothane inhalation. Blood samples were collected via the carotid artery and used to assess blood glucose (mg/dl), insulin (pmol/L), urea (mg/dl), creatinine (mg/dl), total cholesterol (TC) (mg/dl), LDL (mg/dl), HDL (mg/dl), triglycerides (TG) (mg/dl), and albumin (mg/dl) levels were determined. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s post hoc test to compare between the groups.
Results: A significant decrease (p<0.05) in blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, serum urea and creatinine were observed, while insulin level, albumin, GFR, urine volume and HDL were significantly increased (p>0.05) in diabetic rats received α-keto amino acids with free protein diet, without significant changes in body weight.
Conclusion: A free-protein diet containing KAA improves renal function, lowers blood glucose levels, maintains body weight, and does not worsen nutritional status in CKD in diabetic rats over time.