Ingestion of potato starch containing esterified phosphorus increases alkaline phosphatase activity in the small intestine in rats

Protective Properties of Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase Supplementation on the Intestinal Barrier: Interactions and Effects

The intestinal barrier is critical for maintaining intestinal homeostasis, and its dysfunction is associated with various diseases. Recent findings have revealed the multifunctional role of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) in diverse biological processes, including gut health maintenance and function. This review summarizes the protective effects of IAP on intestinal barrier integrity, encompassing the physical, chemical, microbial, and immune barriers. We discuss the results and insights from in vitro, animal model, and clinical studies as well as the available evidence regarding the impact of diet on IAP activity and expression. IAP can also be used as an indicator to assess intestinal-barrier-related diseases. Further research into the mechanisms of action and long-term health effects of IAP in maintaining overall intestinal health is essential for its future use as a dietary supplement or functional component in medical foods.

Significant Species Differences in Intestinal Phosphate Absorption between Dogs, Rats, and Monkeys

A treatment for hyperphosphatemia would be expected to reduce mortality rates for CKD and dialysis patients. Although rodent studies have suggested sodium-dependent phosphate transporter type IIb (NaPi-IIb) as a potential target for hyperphosphatemia, NaPi-IIb selective inhibitors failed to achieve efficacy in human clinical trials. In this study, we analyzed phosphate metabolism in rats, dogs, and monkeys to confirm the species differences. Factors related to phosphate metabolism were measured and intestinal phosphate absorption rate was calculated from fecal excretion in each species. Phosphate uptake by intestinal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) and the mRNA expression of NaPi-IIb, PiT-1, and PiT-2 were analyzed. In addition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was evaluated. The intestinal phosphate absorption rate, including phosphate uptake by BBMV and NaPi-IIb expression, was the highest in dogs. Notably, urinary phosphate excretion was the lowest in monkeys, and their intestinal phosphate absorption rate was by far the lowest. Dogs and rats showed positive correlations between V_max/K_m of phosphate uptake in BBMV and NaPi-IIb expression. Although phosphate uptake was observed in the BBMV of monkeys, NaPi-IIb expression was not detected and ALP activity was low. This study revealed significant species differences in intestinal phosphate absorption. NaPi-IIb contributes to intestinal phosphate uptake in rats and dogs. However, in monkeys, phosphate is poorly absorbed due to the slight degradation of organic phosphate in the intestine.

Availability of 24-h urine collection method on dietary phosphorus intake estimation

Accurate assessment of dietary phosphorus intake is necessary to prevent hyperphosphatemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the 24-h urine collection method for estimation of phosphate intake in healthy males. Two experiments, a 1-day and a 5-day loading test, were performed. After an overnight fast, subjects consumed test meals, 24-h urine collection was performed, and blood samples were obtained. In the 5-day loading test, a phosphorus supplement was orally administered on day 3. The association between the phosphorus content of test meals and urinary excretion, anthropometric indices, and blood biomarkers was analyzed to develop a more precise formula for estimating phosphorus intake. In the 1-day loading test, the standard deviation of predictive phosphorus intake, based on multiple linear regression analysis, was less than that for the phosphorus absorption rate. In the 5-day loading test, urinary phosphorus excretion was similar on days 2, 4 and 5, but was significantly higher on day 3 after phosphorus supplementation. Our results indicate that estimation of dietary phosphorus intake with the 24-h urine collection method, using the amount of phosphorus and urea nitrogen excretion, may increase the precision of short-term monitoring.

Stop chronic kidney disease progression: Time is approaching

Progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is inevitable. However, the last decade has witnessed tremendous achievements in this field. Today we are optimistic; the dream of withholding this progression is about to be realistic. The recent discoveries in the field of CKD management involved most of the individual diseases leading the patients to end-stage renal disease. Most of these advances involved patients suffering diabetic kidney disease, chronic glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, renal amyloidosis and chronic tubulointerstitial disease. The chronic systemic inflammatory status and increased oxidative stress were also investigated. This inflammatory status influences the anti-senescence Klotho gene expression. The role of Klotho in CKD progression together with its therapeutic value are explored. The role of gut as a major source of inflammation, the pathogenesis of intestinal mucosal barrier damage, the role of intestinal alkaline phosphatase and the dietary and therapeutic implications add a novel therapeutic tool to delay CKD progression.

Slower Fermentation Rate of Potato Starch Relative to High-amylose Cornstarch Contributes to the Higher Proportion of Cecal Butyrate in Rats

This study aimed to examine the mechanism for differential effects of low- (LPPS) and high-phosphorus (HPPS) potato starches and high-amylose cornstarch (HACS) on rat cecal fermentation, the n-butyrate proportion in particular. In ileorectostomized rats, the in vivo resistant starch (RS) contents were determined to be 66% (LPPS), 66% (HPPS) and 36% (HACS), but the carbohydrate/nitrogen (C/N) ratios of the ileal digesta were comparable among the respective starch diets. In intact rats fed diets including similar amounts of RS, the cecal n-butyrate proportions in the LPPS- and HPPS-fed rats were equally higher than in the HACS-fed rats. The cecal starch contents were fivefold greater in the LPPS- and HPPS-fed rats than in the HACS-fed rats. The results suggest that potato starches and HACS are not equivalent n-butyrate producers in the rat cecum and that the slower fermentation rate of potato starches relative to HACS might be responsible for the higher n-butyrate proportion.