Consumption of Raw Potato Starch Alters Intestinal Function and Colonic Cell Proliferation in the Rat

Abstract

Raw potato starch (RPS) may escape complete digestion to enter the colon and produce alterations in colonic function, while cooked potato starch (CPS) is nearly completely digested in the rat small intestine. Effects of RPS and CPS on colonic function [fecal weight, transmit time and thymidine kinase (TK) activity (a marker for cell proliferation)] were contrasted in a 6-wk feeding study. Male F344 rats consumed either dextrose/sucrose (DS; control), 30% CPS or 30% RPS diet. RPS feeding resulted in a 3-fold increase in fecal weight and a 30% prolongation in transit time, as well as elevated levels of colonic mucosal total protein (50%) and TK activity (4- to 7-fold) compared to DS-fed rats. A second study revealed normal large intestinal histology in rats fed CPS or RPS, with elongated colonic crypts (33% increased over CPS) in group RPS. Large intestinal contents were heavier in group RPS than in group CPS. These studies demonstrate that RPS feeding significantly enhances fecal weight yet prolongs total gastrointestinal transit time. Enhanced colonic TK and elongated colonic crypts suggest that RPS stimulates colonic mucosal growth.

Biological response of rat fed diets with high tuber content of conventionally bred and transgenic potato resistant to necrotic strain of potato virus (PVYN). Part II. Caecal metabolism, serum enzymes and indices of non-specific defence of rats

“…This high content of starch evoked a significant, although not high, increase in the mass of the Table 3 Bacterial glycolytic activity in the caecal digesta (U/g fresh content or U/g À2 protein a ) of the rats The values within column with different letters (a, b) are significantly different at P < 0.05. caecum wall of rats, compared to the control group (Table 2). It was consistent with the results of other authors (Calvert, Otsuda, & Satchihanandam, 1989;Mathers, Smith, & Carter, 1997), who reported on the hypertrophy of the caecum after consuming diet with potato starch. It is probably an adaptive response to enable salvage of energy from fermentation of starch escaping small-bowel digestion (Mathers & Dawson, 1991).…”

Effects of Rice Starch-Isoflavone Diet or Potato Starch-Isoflavone Diet on Plasma Isoflavone, Plasma Lipids, Cecal Enzyme Activity, and Composition of Fecal Microflora in Adult Mice.

“…Resistant starch is utilized by intestinal microflora (6) and seems to affect the cecal and colonic functions (7). It is contained in rice starch and potato starch, but little information is available about the influence of the source of starch in the diet on the metabolism of dietary isoflavones.…”

Distribution of enteroglucagon- and peptide YY-immunoreactive cells in the intestinal mucosa of germ-free and conventional mice

“…The four intestinal segments stretched on filter paper were prefixed with Bouin's fluid containing 2.5% glacial acid for 90 to 120 min at room temperature. The prefixed segments were then rolled into a spiral with the mucosa facing inward, so as to form a "Swiss roll" similar to that described by Calvert et al (1989) with adaptations. The rolls were tied with string and fixed in Bouin's for an additional 18 to 20 h (Fig.…”