Factors affecting liver lipid content in pyridoxing-deficient rats. I. Dietary protein levels.

Effects of choline fortification and various dietary protein levels on liver lipid content in pyridoxine-deficient rats were studied. Choline fortification did not prevent the accumulation of liver lipids in pyridoxine-deficient rats. Considerable accumulation of liver lipids was observed in the 70% casein pyridoxine-deprived group. Reducing the protein level in the diet decreased the extent of lipid accumulation. A highly negative correlation was found between liver lipid content and liver GPT activity, indicating that the fatty infiltration of the liver may be intimately related to the pyridoxine deficiency state. The time course of fatty liver induction upon feeding of a 70% casein pyridoxine-deficient diet was also studied. The liver lipid content increased gradually and reached the highest value by the third week with a concomitant decrease in food intake. Effect of change of dietary compositions on fatty liver caused by 70% casein pyridoxine-free diet was examined. Feeding of a 70% casein pyridoxine-supplemented diet or a 20% casein pyridoxine-free diet caused decreases in the liver lipids.