The Possible Protective Role of Moringa Oleifera on High Fat Diet Induced Injury on the Renal Cortex of Adult Male Rats. Histological, Immunohistochemical and Biochemical Study

Introduction: Consumption of high fat diet (HFD) is common worldwide which may cause several complications including chronic kidney disease. Moringa oleifera (MO) is a well-known herb that has been widely used for its numerous pharmacological properties.Aim: To evaluate the possible protective role of MO on HFD induced renal cortex injury in adult male rats. Material and method: Three groups of thirty rats weighing 180–200 g, aged 8 week were used. Group I: control, group II: HFD and group III: HFD and MO aqueous extract (1000 mg/kg/day). After four weeks, body weights were recorded, blood samples were taken to determine level of fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, kidney function tests and kidneys were processed for light and electron microscopic examination. Immunohistochemical, histomorphometric and statistical studies were performed.Results: group II (HFD) rats revealed significantly increased mean body weight, mean level of fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, urea, and creatinine in comparison to group I. Microscopic examination showed focal changes of the renal cortex. The glomerular capillaries showed thickened glomerular basement membrane, focal adhesions between the capillary tuft and Bowman’s capsule, apparent increased number of intraglomerular mesangial cells, fusion of podocytes processes with reduction of sub-podocytic space. The renal tubules were disorganized and the lumina contained acidophilic casts and exfoliated cells. PCTs showed loss of brush borders and numerous disorganized small sized mitochondria. In the interstitium, mononuclear cellular infiltration, increased collagen deposition and positive α-SMA reaction were detected. However, group III rats showed preserved renal cortical structure as well as preserved biochemical profile and mean body weight.Conclusions: Supplementation with MO ameliorated the HFD induced body weight gain and disturbed biochemical profile with preservation of most of the structure of the renal cortex.Recommendation: It’s recommended to give MO extract to people on a HFD to protect the renal cortex.