Effects of defective in vivo synthesis of mitochondrial proteins on cellular biochemistry and physiology of malnourished rats

Investigations were carried out to find the biochemical and bioenergetic implications of a defective in vivo synthesis of mitochondrial proteins during dietary-protein depletion. 3.4% dietary protein was fed to 21-day-old weanling rats for 30 days (experimental), while 21.0% dietary protein was fed...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annals of nutrition and metabolism 1990, Vol.34 (3), p.147-154
Main Authors: Olowookere, Julius O., Olorunsogo, Olufunso O., Malomo, Sylvia O.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
biosynthesis
cell physiology
diet
Male
Membrane Proteins - biosynthesis
mitochondria
Mitochondria - metabolism
Nutrition Disorders - metabolism
Original Paper
Original Papers
Oxidative Phosphorylation
protein content
Protein-Energy Malnutrition - metabolism
proteins
Rats
Rats, Inbred Strains
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Investigations were carried out to find the biochemical and bioenergetic implications of a defective in vivo synthesis of mitochondrial proteins during dietary-protein depletion. 3.4% dietary protein was fed to 21-day-old weanling rats for 30 days (experimental), while 21.0% dietary protein was fed to controls. A close simulation of marasmickwashiorkor syndrome was obtained in the experimental group. Rat liver mitochondria were isolated, and the functional and structural integrity was determined using biochemical standard parameters. Results show that the respiratory control ratio (RCR) is reduced by 50% in the experimental group, using any of the pyruvate/malate, beta-hydroxybutyrate or succinate as substrate. The effects of storage at 0 degrees C were more pronounced in mitochondria from protein-depleted rats as these mitochondria are more leaky to protons (H+); hence they are defective in carrying out chemiosmotic oxidative phosphorylation. There is a drastic reduction in the basal AtPase and cytochrome oxidase activities with low ATP production and a decline in energy expenditure. This led to serious bioenergetic consequences culminating in heavy dependence on glycolysis and other biochemical aberrations.
ISSN:0250-6807
1421-9697
DOI:10.1159/000177581