Vol 44, No 3 (2006)
Original paper
Submitted: 2011-12-19
Published online: 2006-09-19
Morphometric and functional abnormalities of kidneys in the progeny of mice fed chocolate during pregnancy and lactation.
Janusz Patera, Joanna Chorostowska-Wynimko, Janina Słodkowska, Adamina Borowska, Piotr Skopiński, Ewa Sommer, Aleksander Wasiutyński, Ewa Skopińska-Rózewska
Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2006;44(3):207-211.
Vol 44, No 3 (2006)
ORIGINAL PAPERS
Submitted: 2011-12-19
Published online: 2006-09-19
Abstract
Even most commonly consumed beverages like tea, coffee, chocolate and cocoa contain methylxanthines, biogenic amines and polyphenols, among them catechins, that exhibit significant biological activity and might profoundly affect the organism homeostasis. We have previously shown that 400 mg of bitter chocolate or 6 mg of theobromine added to the daily diet of pregnant and afterwards lactating mice affected embryonic angiogenesis and caused bone mineralization disturbances as well as limb shortening in 4-weeks old offspring. The aim of the present study was the morphometric and functional evaluation of kidneys in the 4-weeks old progeny mice fed according to the protocol mentioned above. Progeny from the mice fed chocolate presented considerable morphometric abnormalities in the kidney structure, with the lower number of glomeruli per mm2 and their increased diameter. Moreover, higher serum creatinine concentration was observed in that group of offspring. No morphometric or functional irregularities were found in the progeny of mice fed theobromine. Abnormalities demonstrated in the offspring of mice fed chocolate are not related to its theobromine content. Consequently, identification of active compound(s) responsible for the observed effects is of vital importance.
Abstract
Even most commonly consumed beverages like tea, coffee, chocolate and cocoa contain methylxanthines, biogenic amines and polyphenols, among them catechins, that exhibit significant biological activity and might profoundly affect the organism homeostasis. We have previously shown that 400 mg of bitter chocolate or 6 mg of theobromine added to the daily diet of pregnant and afterwards lactating mice affected embryonic angiogenesis and caused bone mineralization disturbances as well as limb shortening in 4-weeks old offspring. The aim of the present study was the morphometric and functional evaluation of kidneys in the 4-weeks old progeny mice fed according to the protocol mentioned above. Progeny from the mice fed chocolate presented considerable morphometric abnormalities in the kidney structure, with the lower number of glomeruli per mm2 and their increased diameter. Moreover, higher serum creatinine concentration was observed in that group of offspring. No morphometric or functional irregularities were found in the progeny of mice fed theobromine. Abnormalities demonstrated in the offspring of mice fed chocolate are not related to its theobromine content. Consequently, identification of active compound(s) responsible for the observed effects is of vital importance.
Title
Morphometric and functional abnormalities of kidneys in the progeny of mice fed chocolate during pregnancy and lactation.
Journal
Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica
Issue
Vol 44, No 3 (2006)
Article type
Original paper
Pages
207-211
Published online
2006-09-19
Page views
1474
Article views/downloads
1151
Bibliographic record
Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2006;44(3):207-211.
Authors
Janusz Patera
Joanna Chorostowska-Wynimko
Janina Słodkowska
Adamina Borowska
Piotr Skopiński
Ewa Sommer
Aleksander Wasiutyński
Ewa Skopińska-Rózewska