Gaining insights in the nutritional metabolism of amphibians: analyzing body nutrient profiles of the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis
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Brenes Soto, Andrea
Dierenfeld, Ellen S.
Bosch, Guido
Hendriks, Wouter H.
Janssens, Geert P. J.
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Abstract
Whole bodies of Xenopus laevis (n = 19) were analysed for chemical composition
and morphometrics. The nutrient profile (macronutrients, amino acids, fatty acids
and minerals) was evaluated by sex; interactions among variables with body weights
and lengths, and comparisons made with different species of marine and fresh
water fish. Significant differences were found in morphometric measurements, water
content, several minerals and fatty acids between sexes of X. laevis. Amino acid profiles
differed in methionine, proline and cysteine, which could underlie different metabolic
pathways in frogs when compared to fish. In addition, fatty acid profiles revealed more
monounsaturated and n − 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in frogs than in fish, more
similar to values reported for terrestrial than aquatic vertebrates. Important interactions
were also found between body measurements and fat, calcium, and phosphorus, as well
as between essential and non-essential amino acids. The results indicate that frogs might
have particular biochemical pathways for several nutrients, dependent on sex and linked
to body weight, which ultimately could reflect specific nutrient needs.
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Metabolism, Nutrition, Xenopus laevis, Body composition, Amino acids, Fatty acids, Amphibians
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https://peerj.com/articles/7365/
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