The Effects of Dietary Calcium Levels on Pancreatic Function in KK Mice

Abstract

To measure the effects of dietary calcium levels on pancreatic function, KK/Ta mice were divided into three groups fed a 0.25％ (L), 0.5％ (M), and 1.0％ (H) calcium diet, respectively, each supplemented with calcium carbonate for 7 weeks based on the AIN-93G composition. No significant difference in serum calcium concentrations was observed. However, serum phosphorus concentrations were significantly higher in the H group than in the L and M groups. Moreover, a significant negative correlation between the serum PTH concentration and serum phosphorus concentration was observed. Although no significant difference in serum insulin concentrations was evident, the blood glucose level at 15 and 30 minutes was significantly higher in groups L and H than in group M in the ITT test. Expression of pancreatic function markers was significantly higher in the L group than in the M and H groups. Furthermore, expression of pancreatic inflammation markers was significantly higher in group L than in group H. These results indicate that low calcium intake induces inflammation in the pancreas, leading to insulin resistance. Conversely, the effect of high calcium intake on pancreatic function may be attributable to a different mechanism.