Comparison of renal calcium concentration in obese, lean, diabetic, and non-diabetic Zucker rats fed a magnesium-deficient fructose diet.

In order to determine the effects of hypoinsulinaemia or hyperinsulinaemia on nephrocalcinosis induced by the interaction between fructose and magnesium (Mg) deficiency, we compared kidney calcification in obese versus lean, and non-diabetic versus diabetic female Zucker rats fed a magnesium-deficient fructose diet. One half of the obese and lean animals, respectively, was injected with streptozotocin to produce diabetes, and the other half was injected with citrate buffer alone. Diabetic, non-diabetic, obese, and lean animals were divided into two dietary groups, consisting of high starch or high fructose without added Mg. After a four week period, 24 hour urine was collected for urinary output, protein, oxalate, citrate, MG, and calcium (Ca) measurements. The animals were then decapitated, and blood was collected for glucose, Mg, and Ca determinations, and kidneys were removed to determine their Mg and Ca contents. All fructose-fed animals exhibited significantly more kidney Ca then the starch-fed animals. Lean non-diabetic rats fed fructose showed the greatest kidney Ca along with the greatest urinary protein excretion among all experimental groups. The significant finding in the present study is that diabetes or obesity reduced nephrocalcinosis regardless of the insulin status of the rats. Diuresis and hypercitraturia in diabetic and/or obese animals may cause a reduction in nephrocalcinosis induced by the interaction between fructose and magnesium deficiency. Hyperproteinuria (uromucoid) in combination with hypercalciuria and hypomagnesuria may be responsible for greater nephrocalcinosis in the fructose than the starch group. The possible mechanisms for this interaction on nephrocalcinosis have been discussed.