Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common vascular complication of diabetes Miletus (DM) that require weight control and dietary restrictions, especially for protein. A protein-restricted diet with ketoacid analogs (KA) reduces the intake of nitrogen while avoiding the harmful consequences of inadequate dietary protein intake. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of a protein-free diet with ketoacid analogs in chronic kidney disease (CKD)-affected diabetic rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty adult male albino rats were grouped into six equal groups (G): G (1) Control group, G (2) Normal rats. Received low protein diet, G (3) Diabetic control rats. Received standard diet, G (4) Diabetic rats. Received low protein diet for 12 weeks, G (5) Diabetic received α-keto amino acids (KAA) with a low protein diet and G (6) Diabetic received α-keto amino acids with protein-free diet. Blood sample was 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. RESULTS: A significant decrease in blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, serum urea and creatinine were observed while insulin level, albumin, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urine volume and HDL were significantly increased in group six. CONCLUSION: A protein-free diet containing KAA improves renal function, lowers blood glucose levels, maintains body weight, and does not worsen nutritional status in DN over time.