Effect of Vitamin A Deficiency on the Specific Activities of Oxalate-Synthesizing Enzymes.

Abstract

SummaryTo investigate the cause of hyperoxaluria in vitamin A deficiency, we studied the specific activities of the major oxalatesynthesizing enzymes in the liver, viz., glycolic acid oxidase (GAO), glycolic acid dehydrogenase (GAD), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Pair-fed control and experimental (vitamin A deficient) groups of rats were fed a high-calcium (9g/kg diet), calculogenic diet for 12 weeks. Vitamin A deficiency resulted in increased specific activities of GAO, GAD (p<0.001), and LDH (p<0.05) compared with those of pair-fed controls. Correction of vitamin A deficiency returned the enzyme activities to the levels observed in control animals. The possible biochemical mechanism of hyperoxaluria in vitamin A deficiency is discussed.