Relationship between insulin resistance and uremic toxins in the gastrointestinal tract

The relationship between insulin resistance and local uremic toxins was exa mined using an oral adsorbent. Fourteen rats demonstrating a diabetic state underwent two-thirds, nephrectomy and were divided into two groups. The co ntrol group was fed standard rat chow, and the test group was fed standard rat chow containing 5% AST-120. The target level of blood glucose was achie ved by controlling the dosage of exogenous insulin. All rats were sacrifice d at week 6. Body weight, blood glucose level, and renal function at week 6 were not significantly different between both groups. However, the mean bl ood glucose level and the mean dose of exogenous insulin in the AST-120-fed group were significantly reduced as compared with the control group. The r esults of the present study indicate that administration of an oral adsorbe nt in diabetic nephropathy decreases the doses of exogenous insulin and imp roves insulin resistance, and that uremic toxins which exist in the gastroi ntestinal tract play important roles. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Base l.