Development of Hyperuricemia and Hyperglycemia After Prolonged Consumption of Clams ( Galatea paradoxa ) at the Recommended Daily Allowance

TL;DR

Eating clams over time may raise uric acid and blood sugar levels in rats, even at recommended amounts.

Contribution

This study shows that long-term clam consumption can lead to metabolic issues in rats.

Findings

High-dose clam consumption significantly increased uric acid and blood glucose in a dose-dependent manner.

Liver weight decreased in the high-dose group with mild histological changes.

Total bilirubin levels were lower in low and medium dose groups compared to controls.

Abstract

Hyperuricemia and hyperglycemia are growing global health concerns and early warning signs for serious chronic diseases such as gout, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. To explore whether long‐term consumption of clams influences these conditions, we conducted a 60‐day feeding study in rats. Fresh clams were boiled, dried, powdered, and administered orally to four groups (n = 7) at dosages 0 (control), 50, 150, and 250 mg/kg body weight. Results show the high‐dose group exhibited a significant reduction in liver weight compared to controls (p = 0.007). Biochemically, all clam‐fed groups displayed significant globulin levels and albumin/globulin ratios (p = 0.036). Total bilirubin levels were significantly lower in the low and medium dose groups relative to controls (p = 0.031 and p = 0.047, respectively). AST levels significantly differed between medium and high dose groups (p = 0.048). Additionally, TBA increased in a dose‐dependent manner, with the high‐dose group showing a marked rise (p = 0.0001). Renal function parameters remained largely unchanged except for uric acid, which increased in a clear dose‐dependent pattern: control 128.2 ± 52.7 μmol/L; low 145.1 ± 71.6; medium 161.6 ± 132.8; high 339.5 ± 169.7. These elevations were significant between controls and high‐dose (p = 0.018) and between low‐ and high‐dose groups (p = 0.037). Blood glucose also rose dose‐dependently, reaching 17.6 ± 4.9 mmol/L in the high‐dose group, significantly higher than all lower‐dose groups (p ≤ 0.015). The study underscores that shellfish's high purine content, such as in clams, may provoke hyperuricemia and hyperglycemia, especially at higher consumption levels.

Prolonged consumption of clam, Galatea paradoxa, powder led to dose‐dependent increases in uric acid and blood glucose in rats. Liver weight decreased at the highest dose, accompanied by mild histological alterations. These findings suggest that high clam intake, even within recommended dietary levels, may contribute to metabolic disturbances associated with hyperuricemia and hyperglycaemia.

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