Urinary steroids have been studied during early and late pregnancy in domestic horses or sporadic samples at various stages of pregnancy in wild equidae. In our studies, urinary estrone sulfate (E1S) and pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG) were monitored throughout pregnancy in six pony mares by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Both hormones were corrected by creatinine (Cr) index to compensate for the variation in specific gravity. The mean concentration for ElS, (μg/mg Cr), was .38 ± .03 at d 0, decreased to .17 ± .04 at d 1, and maintained at less than .5 μg/mg Cr until d 30. Although, there was an apparent increase to .80 ± .34 at d 34 (NS, P = .122), the first significant increase was .69 ± .15 at d 46 (P = .0275). Mean concentrations remained relatively stable at this approximate level until d 60. This level was followed by a sustained significant increase observed from d 60 onwards. Mean concentrations of El S increased to 1.11 ± .25, 2.01 ± .45, and 5.48 ± 1.47 at d 64, d 76, and d 86, respectively. Levels of EIS further increased reaching a peak of 143.3 ± 9.51 at d 142 (P = .0006), with maximum for individual mares ranging from d 114 to 170, and also ranging from 115.4 to 286.1 pg/mg. In all cases, maximum concentrations were followed by a gradual decline toward parturition with a more rapid decrease 1 to 3 days before parturition. The first significant decrease following the maximum concentration was 91.40 ± 13.11 (P = .0024) at d 184. Estrone sulfate was 12.1 ± 3.8 one day prepartum and decreased to .4 ± .1 and .1 ± .01 at d 1 and 4 postpartum, respectively. The mean concentrations of PdG (ng/mg Cr) increased from 147 ± 4.3 at d 0 to 50.87 ± .17 (NS, P> .05), 36.8 ± 8.1 (P = .016), and 27.6 ± 7.3 (P = .049) at d 6, 8 and 10, respectively. This increase was followed by a decline and generally the levels fluctuated ranging from 20 to 30 ng/mg Cr until d 80. At d 86, the PdG levels increased to 54.7 ± 11.7 (P = .033). This was followed by a further increase to 141.8 ± 21.4 (P = .0139, compared to d 93) at d 135, then continued to increase to 213.0 ± 25.2 at d 198, and remained at this approximate level until d 303. During the last month of gestation, the mean concentrations of PdG increased from 171.8 ± 9.8 at d 29 prepartum to reach a peak of 388.4 ± 108.6 at d 7 prepartum. Maximum concentrations were followed by a slight decrease to 354.5 ± 84.0 at d 1 prepartum and then decreased to 150.6 ± 23.4 and 39.6 ± 9.3 ng/mg Cr at d 1 and 4 postpartum. In comparing the two hormones, E1S remained baseline followed by a slight increase at d 35, whereas PdG was relatively stable until both hormones increased after d 70 of gestation. This might be related to secretion of both hormones by the fetus and their rapid metabolism by placenta. Estrone sulfate reached a peak at approximately d 142 followed by a decline toward parturition while PdG showed a rapid increase from d 70 to 150, followed by a slow sustained increase to d 300 then increased dramatically again before parturition, while El S continued to decline. The profile of these urinary hormones throughout pregnancy appeared to parallel previously published concentrations in blood. Since the patterns of urinary EIS and PdG are different, their sites and mechanism of metabolism are likely different. The results indicate that the presence of the feto-placental unit is important for the secretion of both estrogens and progestins throughout pregnancy and thus could be utilized as a reliable method for pregnancy determination after three months of pregnancy. / Graduation date: 1993

A direct injection nebulizer (DIN) was constructed in our laboratory and was evaluated as an interface between a liquid chromatography column and an inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES). Optimum operating conditions, detection limits and reproducibility of the DIN closely matched literature data for a somewhat different commercial device. In addition, when using the DIN for sample introduction, the ICP detection exhibited uniform response towards phosphorous compounds of different volatilities. / Department of Chemistry

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:55:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 876963 bytes, checksum: 2254ce6044753867875b6bfab3b2249e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-07-21 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This study aimed evaluating the excretion of purine derivatives and nitrogen compounds in zebu cattle grazing, on different days and times within days. The experiment was conducted in the cattle department of the Federal University of Viçosa / MG, using five Nelore heifers with an average body weight of 300 ± 15 kg and 20 months of age, in 5x5 Latin square design. The experimental treatments were defined to represent those commonly used in the dry season, as follows: control (mineral salt), concentrated with 20.31% crude protein (CP) on dry matter (DM) being offered (OF) level of 0.5 to 1% of body weight fasted (BWF) OF5 and OF10, respectively; and two concentrated self- regulating (SR) consumption, containing 69.38% CP on a DM basis (20% urea and 20% salt) offered ad libitun (SR70) and other concentrate containing 39.73% CP based on MS being offered ad libitum (SR40). The experimental periods was 18 days, with one day to perform 14 hours of fasting for weighing and adjustment of the quantities supplied, 12 days for adaptation to the experimental diets and five for total collection of urine and stool sample at the times of 0h00a.m. to 4h00a.m, 4h00a.m. to 8:00a.m., 8:00a.m. to 12:00p.m., 12:00p.m. to 4:00p.m., 4:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. and 20:00p.m. to 0:00a.m. For total collection of urine was used probe Folley number 26, coupled to polyethylene hose leading to a urine collection bag for urine closed system, which was emptied every two hours in the range of 8:00a.m. to 8:00p.m., and every four hours in the range from 8:00p.m. to 8:00a.m. and subsequently homogenized and cooled. The collected urine sampling was performed every four hours, measuring the volume, and withdrawing one sample were diluted in H 2 SO 4 at 0,036N and another don't diluted. To estimate fecal output, used the titanium dioxide, provided the total daily amount of 15g, between 9 th and 18 th day of each period. To estimate the intake of pasture, used the indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) as internal indicator. Was performed by collecting pasture technique for determining the square potentially digestible dry matter (PDDM) on the third day of each experimental period, and on days 14 th and 18 th was held grazing simulation to estimate the consumption of constituents of diets. In urine samples the concentrations of creatinine, total nitrogen, urea, uric acid and allantoin. For statistical analysis we used the statistical program SAS Proc Mixed. Dry matter intake 10was higher (P<0.05) for the treatment OF10 compared to SR70, SR40 and control treatments but was not different (P>0.05) treatment OF5. The CP intake increased by supplementation (P<0.05), which caused no effect on DM intake from pasture. Excretions of creatinine did not change treatment, day and sampling period (P>0.05) and had a mean of 23.03 ± 0.30 mg / kgPC. Urinary relations of allantoin (Al) and uric acid (UA) with creatinine were not affected (P>0.05) by treatments, collection days and times of collection. The total nitrogen relations:creatinine and urea nitrogen:creatinine in urine showed interaction (P<0.05) between treatment and sampling period. The relationship between urea nitrogen:total nitrogen was influenced (P<0.05) only at time of collection. The nitrogen balance (NB) in g/day did not differ between treatments OF10, SR70 and SR40, however these had higher retention of N (P<0.05) than treatments OF5 and control, which were not different. The NB, in g/ging, showed differences (P<0.05) between treatments with concentrated, which did not differ (P> 0.05), and control treatment, with the lowest NB. The production of microbial N was not affected (P>0.05) by treatments. The microbial efficiency gPBmic/kgMOD and gPBmic/kgNDT was affected (P<0.05) by supplementation, being higher (P<0.05) for OF5, OF10 and SR70 treatments, which did not differ. The control and OF5, treatments had the lowest values were similar. The lack of effect of day and the collection period on allantoin and uric acid compared with creatinine has wide practical application, enabling use spot urine sample to calculate the excretion of purine derivatives at any time of day or night, and consequently the microbial production. Depending on the variations observed for total nitrogen and urea nitrogen relations with creatinine over 24 hours is not recommended the use of a single spot urine sample for determination of these nitrogen compounds. / O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido com os objetivos de avaliar a excreção dos derivados de purinas e de compostos nitrogenados em zebuínos em pastejo, em diferentes dias e períodos dentro de dias. O experimento foi conduzido no setor de gado de corte da Universidade Federal de Viçosa/MG, utilizando-se cinco novilhas Nelore com peso corporal médio de 300 ± 15kg e 20 meses de idade, distribuídas em quadrado latino 5x5. Os tratamentos experimentais foram definidos para representar aqueles normalmente utilizados na época seca do ano, sendo eles: controle (sal mineral), concentrado com 20,31% de proteína bruta (PB) com base na matéria seca (MS) sendo oferecido (OF) em nível de 0,5 e 1% do peso corporal em jejum (PCJ), OF5 e OF10, respectivamente; e dois concentrados autorreguladores (AR) de consumo, um contendo 69,38% PB com base na MS (20% de ureia e 20% de sal) ofertado ad libitun (AR70) e outro concentrado contendo 39,73% PB com base na MS sendo ofertado ad libitum (AR40). Os períodos experimentais possuíram 18 dias, sendo o dia um para realização de jejum de 14 horas para pesagem e ajuste das quantidades fornecidas, 12 para adaptação dos animais às dietas experimentais e cinco para a coleta total de urina e amostral de fezes, nos horários das 0h00 às 4h00, 4h00 às 8h00, 8h00 às 12h00, 12h00 às 16h00, 16h00 às 20h00 e 20h00 às 24h00. Para a coleta total de urina utilizou-se sonda de Folley no26, acoplada a mangueira de polietileno que conduziu a urina até uma bolsa coletora de urina por sistema fechado, que foi esvaziada a cada duas horas no intervalo das 8h00 às 20h00, e a cada quatro horas no intervalo das 20h00 às 8h00, sendo posteriormente homogeneizadas e resfriadas. A amostragem da urina coletada foi realizada a cada 4 horas, medindo-se o volume e retirando-se duas amostras, uma diluída com solução H2SO4 0,036N e não diluida. Para determinação da excreção fecal, utilizou-se o dioxido de titânio, fornecido na quantidade total diária de 15g, entre os dias 9 e 18 de cada período. Para estimativa do consumo de pasto, utilizou-se a fibra indigestível em detergente neutro (FDNi), como indicador interno. Realizou-se coleta de pasto pela técnica do quadrado para determinação da matéria seca potencialmente digestível (MSpd) no terceiro dia de cada período experimental, e nos dias 14o e 18o realizou-se simulação de pastejo para estimar os consumos dos constituintes das dietas. Nas amostras de urina foram determinadas as concentrações de creatinina, nitrogênio total, ureia, acido úrico e alantoína. Para análise estatística utilizou-se o programa estatístico Proc Mixed do SAS. O consumo de MS foi superior (P<0,05) para o tratamento OF10 em relação aos tratamentos AR70, AR40 e controle, mas não diferiu (P>0,05) do tratamento OF5. O consumo de PB aumentou com a suplementação (P<0,05), que não causou efeito sobre o consumo de MS do pasto. As excreções de creatinina não sofreram efeito de tratamento, dia e período de coleta (P>0,05) e apresentaram média de 23,03 ± 0,30 mg/kgPC. As relações urinárias da alantoína (Al) e do ácido úrico (AU) com a creatinina não foram influenciadas (P>0,05) pelos tratamentos, dias de coleta e horários de coleta. As relações nitrogênio total:creatinina e nitrogênio ureico:creatinina na urina apresentaram interação (P<0,05) entre tratamento e período de coleta. A relação entre nitrogênio ureico:nitrogênio total foi influenciada (P<0,05) apenas pelo horário de coleta. O balanço de compostos nitrogenados (BN), em g/dia, não diferiu entre os tratamentos OF10, AR70 e AR40, contudo esses apresentaram maiores retenções de N (P<0,05) que os tratamentos OF5 e controle, que não foram diferentes. O BN, em g/ging, apresentou diferença (P<0,05) entre os tratamentos com concentrado, que não diferiram entre si (P>0,05), e tratamento controle, que apresentou o menor BN. A produção de compostos nitrogenados microbianos não foi alterada (P>0,05) pelos tratamentos. A eficiência microbiana, em gPBmic/kgMOD e gPBmic/kgNDT foi afetada (P<0,05) pela suplementação, sendo maior (P<0,05) para os tratamentos OF5, OF10 e AR70, que não diferiram entre si. Os tratamentos controle e OF5, apresentaram os menores valores e foram semelhantes entre si. A ausência de efeito de dia e do período de coleta sobre a relação alantoína e ácido úrico com a creatinina tem grande aplicação prática, possibilitando utilizar a amostra spot de urina para calcular a excreção de derivados de purinas em qualquer horário do dia ou da noite, e consequentemente a produção microbiana. Em função das variações observadas para as relações nitrogênio ureico e nitrogênio total com a creatinina ao longo do período de 24 horas não se recomenda o uso de uma única amostra spot de urina para determinação destes compostos nitrogenados.

Foram desenvolvidos métodos de determinação de urina e trítio em urina. Para o urânio foi adaptada a técnica de análise por fluorimetria em meio sólido. O limite de sensibilidade foi de 5. 10-4&#181;g U/0,1 ml e o erro foi de cerca de 10% para concentrações em torno de 0,05 &#181;g U/0,1 ml. Foi padronizado para o trítio o método de análise por cintilação em meio líquido. O método determina quantidades de trítio até pelo menos 8,10-3&#181;Ci/ml e o erro foi de cerca de 4% para concentrações de trítio em torno de 0,34 &#181;Ci/l. Depois de adaptadas, as técnicas foram aplicadas a amostras de urinas de trabalhadores expostos a compostos de urânio ou trítio com a finalidade de verificar possível contaminação interna por estes radioisótopos. / Abstract not available.

No description available.

Exposure to arsenic (As) is a major public health concern globally. Inorganic As (InAs) undergoes hepatic methylation to form monomethyl (MMAs)- and dimethyl (DMAs)-arsenical species, facilitating urinary As elimination. MMAsIII is considerably more toxic than either InAsIII or DMAsV, and a higher proportion of MMAs in urine has been associated with risk for a wide range of adverse health outcomes. One-carbon metabolism (OCM) is a biochemical pathway that provides methyl groups for the methylation of As, and is influenced by folate and other micronutrients, such as vitamin B12, choline, betaine and creatine. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated that OCM-related micronutrients play a critical role in As methylation. To analyze the impact of As exposure, it needs to be properly quantitated. Urinary As (uAs) is a biomarker of As exposure. Urinary creatinine (uCr) or specific gravity (SG) are used to correct uAs for urine dilution. However, uCr is correlated with As methylation, whereas SG has limitations in individuals with kidney damage. Therefore, it is important to determine which urine dilution proxy is appropriate in As-related research. In Chapter 2 we conducted a review that summarized observational epidemiological studies, interventions, and relevant experimental evidence examining the role that OCM-related micronutrients have on As methylation, toxicity of As, and risk for associated adverse health-related outcomes. People with higher relative percentage of MMAs (%MMAs) in urine (inefficient As methylation), have been shown to have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and several cancers but appear to have a lower risk of diabetes and obesity in populations from the US, Mexico, and Taiwan. It is unknown if this opposite pattern with obesity is present in Bangladesh, a country with lower adiposity and higher As exposure in drinking water. Efficiency of As methylation differs substantially between species, between individuals, and across populations. In Chapter 3, we aimed to evaluate which urine dilution correction methods for uAs most accurately predicted blood As (bAs). We used data from the Folic Acid and Creatine Trial (FACT; N = 541) and Folate and Oxidative Stress (FOX; N = 343) study in Bangladesh. Three linear regression models were assessed using uAs (1) adjusted for uCr or SG as separate covariates, (2) standardized for uCr or SG, i.e., uAs/uCr, and (3) adjusted for residual corrected uCr or SG following adjustment for age, sex and BMI. Median uAs/bAs for FACT and FOX were 114/8.4 and 140/12.3 µg/L. In FACT, two-fold increases in uAs adjusted for uCr or SG were related to 34% and 22% increases in bAs, respectively, with similar patterns in FOX. In Chapter 4, we investigated the effects of folic acid (FA) and/or creatine supplementation on the concentrations of As species and primary (PMI: MMAs/InAs) and secondary (SMI: DMAs/MMAs) methylation indices in blood in Bangladeshi adults having a wide range of folate status. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 622 participants were assigned to FA (400 or 800 μg/day), 3 g creatine/day, 3 g creatine + 400 μg FA/day, or placebo for 12 weeks. For the following 12 weeks, half of the FA participants were randomly switched to receive placebo. All participants received As-removal water filters at baseline. Blood As species were measured at baseline, and weeks 1, 12, and 24. In all groups, blood As species concentrations decreased due to filter use. After 1 week, the mean within-person increase in SMI for the creatine + 400FA group was greater than that of the placebo group (p = 0.05). The mean percent decrease (95% CI) in blood concentrations of MMAs (bMMAs) between baseline and week 12 was greater for all treatment groups compared to the placebo group [400FA: -10.3 (-11.9, -8.8); 800FA: -9.5 (-11.1, -8.0); creatine: -5.9 (-8.6, -3.0); creatine + 400FA: -8.4 (-10.0, -6.9); placebo: -2.0 (-4.0, 0.0)], and the percent increase in blood DMAs (bDMAs) concentrations for the FA treated groups all significantly exceeded that of placebo [400 FA: 12.8 (10.5, 15.2); 800 FA: 11.3 (8.90, 13.8); creatine + 400 FA: 7.40 (5.20, 9.70); placebo: -0.10 (-2.80, 2.60)]. The mean decrease in PMI and increase in SMI in all FA groups significantly exceeded placebo (p < 0.05). Data from week 24 showed evidence of a reversal of treatment effects on As species from week 12 in those who switched from 800FA to placebo, with significant decreases in SMI [-9.0% (-3.5, -14.8)] and bDMAs [-5.9% (-1.8, -10.2)] in those who switched from 800FA to placebo, whereas for those who remained on 800FA, PMI and bMMAs concentrations continued to decline [-7.2% (-0.5, -14.3) and -3.1% (-0.1, -6.2), respectively] for those who remained on 800FA supplementation. This trial was registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01050556. In Chapter 5, we characterized the association between body mass index (BMI) and As methylation in Bangladeshi adults and adolescents participating in the FACT; FOX; and Metals, Arsenic, and Nutrition in Adolescents Study (MANAS). Arsenic species (InAs, MMAs, DMAs) were measured in urine and blood. Height and weight were measured to calculate BMI. The associations between concurrent BMI with urine and blood As species were analyzed using linear regression models, adjusting for nutrients involved in OCM such as choline. In FACT, we also evaluated the prospective association between weight change and As species. Mean BMIs were 19.2/20.4, 19.8/21.0, and 17.7/18.7 kg/m2 in males/females in FACT, FOX, and MANAS, respectively. BMI was associated with As species in female but not in male participants. In females, after adjustment for total urine As, age, and plasma folate, the adjusted mean differences (95% confidence) in urinary %MMAs and %DMAs for a 5 kg/m2 difference in BMI were -1.21 (-1.96, -0.45) and 2.47 (1.13, 3.81), respectively in FACT, -0.66 (-1.56, 0.25) and 1.43 (-0.23, 3.09) in FOX, and -0.59 (-1.19, 0.02) and 1.58 (-0.15, 3.30) in MANAS. The associations were attenuated after adjustment for choline. Similar associations were observed with blood As species. In FACT, a 1-kg of weight increase over 2 to 10 (mean 5.4) years in males/ females was prospectively associated with mean %DMAs that was 0.16%/0.19% higher. BMI was negatively associated with %MMAs and positively associated with %DMAs in females but not males in Bangladesh; associations were attenuated after plasma choline adjustment. In conclusion, we found that FA supplementation lowers bMMAs and increases bDMAs in a sample of primarily folate-replete adults, while creatine supplementation lowers bMMAs. Evidence of the reversal of treatment effects on As species following FA cessation suggests short-term benefits of supplementation and underscores the importance of long-term interventions such as FA fortification. Additionally, there is fairly robust evidence supporting the impact of folate on As methylation, and some evidence from case-control studies indicating that folate nutritional status influences risk for As-induced skin lesions and bladder cancer. However, the potential for folate to be protective for other As-related health outcomes, adverse health risks of high folate/FA levels (particularly in areas where folate supplements are common), and beneficial effects of other OCM-related micronutrients on As methylation and risk for health outcomes are not as well studied and warrant additional research. We also found that the role of body fat on estrogen levels that may influence OCM, e.g. by increasing choline synthesis. Research is needed to determine whether the associations between BMI and As species are causal and their influence on As-related health outcomes. Finally, we found that in assessing urine dilution correction approaches, models with uCr consistently had lower AIC values than SG across methods. The uAs associations with bAs were stronger after adjustment for uCr vs. SG. Decisions regarding urine dilution methods should consider whether the study outcomes are influenced by factors such as methylation or medical conditions.

The effect of a self-selected and semisynthetic diet on urinary conjugates levels was determined in 18 male adults (22-40 y). Urinary conjugates were also quantified to develop an index of detoxification using a multivariate approach. The four major urinary conjugates measured were glucuronides, sulfoconjugates, mercapturates, and amino acid conjugates. Subjects consumed a self-selected diet for three days and a semisynthetic diet for seven days. Mercapturates and amino acid conjugates were most affected by dietary change, excretion levels reduced by about 50% during the semisynthetic diet period (0.27±0.11 vs 0.14±0.02 mmol/24-h; 5.99 vs 3.03 mmol/24-h, respectively). Glucuronides were the least responsive to dietary change with no significant difference between the means of the two diet periods (self-selected diet 2.93±0.77; semisynthetic 3.21±0.29 mmol/24-h). Four methods for developing 'normal' ranges were presented: mean±SD; percentiles; principal component analysis (princomp); Mahalanobis distance (distquan). The four methods were compared. In summary, conjugate excretion levels were found to be sensitive to dietary changes, with some pathways more responsive than others. Also, the princomp and distquan methods were stressed because they are a multivariate approach which combine values for all three pathways and their interaction into a single value that would then be representative of an individual's total, or overall, detoxification level relative to the others in this group. / Ph. D.

The urinary excretion of D-glucaric acid (DGA) has been used as a nonspecific measure of the induction of hepatic enzymes associated with drug metabolism in man. A survey of 124 nonmedicated men (18-56 years of age), who kept a 5-day food and beverage intake record and collected their total urinary output for the last three days of the five, was conducted to assess the relationship between DGA excretion and various dietary factors. Eighteen nonmedicated, healthy women collected the same data, but started recording on the eighth day from the commencement of menstruation. DGA was determined by an enzymatic assay and recorded as micromoles D-glucaro-1,4-lactone/gm creatinine. There was a positive association between total DGA excreted and the use of marijuana, caffeine, and tobacco products, the heaviest users excreting significantly higher levels of urinary DGA than the moderate or low users of the same substance. Analysis of variance of mean DGA excretion also revealed significant differences between females (17.0±3.7) and males (14.3±5.2): male vegetarians (17.4±5.5) and nonvegetarians ( 13.9±5.1) ; and female vegetarians (19.8±4.6) and nonvegetarians (16.2±3.1). Alcohol consumption and family history of cancer incidences were not significantly related to DGA excretion in either sex. Multiple regression analyses revealed that consumption were the two vegetarianism and caffeine strongest predictors of DGA excretion, while alcohol and marijuana consumption affected DGA the least. These results indicate that dietary and environmental factors can exert a significant effect on DGA excretion, and these associations may identify dietary inducers of hepatic enzymes associated with xenobiotic biotransformations in humans. / Master of Science

The absorption of free carbohydrates produced by digestion of dietary fiber in monogastric animals was investigated. Previous studies have shown that dietary fiber is partially digested by monogastric animals in its passage through the alimentary canal. However, the ability of monogastric animals to absorb the products of digestion of dietary fiber is uncertain. Male rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain were fed a refined carbohydrate diet in which sucrose comprised 66.6 percent. The urine of rats fed this diet contained only sucrose and its component monosaccharides, glucose and fructose, indicating that the carbohydrate composition of urine reflects the carbohydrate composition of the diet. The rats were then fed diets containing 5 percent guar gum (a galactomannan), 10 percent xylan (a polymer of xylose), or 10 percent wheat bran. The appearance in the urine of the component carbohydrates of the ingested dietary fiber was used as an indication of the absorption of the carbohydrates derived from fiber digestion. The urine of rats fed guar gum contained galactose. Rats fed xylan excreted xylose in the urine. Xylose and arabinose were identified in the urine of rats fed wheat bran. It is postulated that the polysaccharides of dietary fiber are degraded to simple sugars by bacteria in the colon. The results of this study indicate that free carbohydrates produced by digestion of dietary fiber are absorbed in monogastric animals. The potential nutritional and toxicological effects of the absorption of the carbohydrate components of dietary fiber are discussed. / Master of Science

The bioessential trace metals (e.g. zinc, copper and iron) are primarily excreted via the gastrointestinal trace in normal man and animals. Although urinary losses of these trace metals are usually minimal, they have been reported to be markedly elevated during periods of physiological and pathological stress. The possibility that the decreased plasma insulin to glucagon ratio during episodes of stress is responsible for increased urinary trace metal excretion was examined in normal and streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Induction of the diabetic condition resulted in a rapid and persistent increase in the quantities of zinc, copper and iron lost in the urine daily. Diabetic rats excreted 3.4, 5.0, and 4.9-fold more zinc, copper and iron, respectively, at 14 days after injection with the diabetogenic drug than the controls. Insulin treatment of diabetic rats significantly reduced the daily urinary losses of these micronutrients, indicating that altered hormonal balance was the primary cause for elevated urinary excretion. Enhanced urinary losses of these metals were not associated with decreased concentrations of zinc, copper and iron in plasma, liver and kidney. Various processes, including the filterability of the metal, glomerular filtration rate, renal tubular reabsorption and transtubular secretion have been reported to influence urinary excretion of trace metals. Initial studies have been conducted to assess the influence of altered endocrine status on the characteristics of zinc binding and transport by renal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) in vitro. The accumulation of zinc by BBMV was found to be temperature dependent. No apparent differences in the binding and intravesicular accumulation of zinc by brush border membrane vesicles prepared from normal and STZ-diabetic rats were observed. Likewise, the efflux of zinc from BBMV prepared from control and diabetic renal cortex was similar. These results indicated that the potential for zinc reabsorption is not altered in the diabetic rats. In vivo studies are required to further assess the characteristics of zinc reabsorption in the native milieu. / M.S.