Age-related effects of high protein diet on rat liver and kidney


Helvacıoğlu F., Özer E. Ö., Çetinoğlu C., Ülgen P., Kılıç S., Başaran D. C., ...Daha Fazla

Irish Journal of Medical Science, cilt.195, sa.2, ss.711-720, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 195 Sayı: 2
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s11845-025-04265-z
  • Dergi Adı: Irish Journal of Medical Science
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.711-720
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: High protein diet, Liver, Kidney, Electron microscopy, MDA, GSH
  • Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Backround: While low-carbohydrate/high-protein diets are common for rapid weight loss, their controversial side effects warrant investigation. Aims: This study aimed to examine age- and duration-dependent effects of high-protein diets on the liver and kidneys of adult (6 months) and elderly (18 months) rats. Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: Adult Standard, Adult High-Protein, Elderly Standard, and Elderly High-Protein. After one month, we collected kidney and liver samples for histological analysis and biochemical assessment of MDA and GSH levels. Results: High-protein diets severely affected the kidneys of both adult and elderly rats. The livers also exhibited moderate degenerative changes. We found a significant increase in MDA levels, indicating lipid peroxidation. Additionally, hepatic and renal GSH levels significantly increased in elderly rats on a high-protein diet, suggesting a metabolic response to oxidative stress. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that high-protein diets should be applied very cautiously, especially in elderly individuals and those with existing kidney disorders.