HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE KIDNEY FOLLOWING WHEY PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTATION IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS

Background: Whey protein is one of the most widely consumed dietary supplements among athletes, bodybuilders, and health-conscious individuals owing to its role in muscle growth and recovery. Concerns persist regarding the renal effects of prolonged protein supplementation, since excessive protein intake may increase renal workload, causing hyperfiltration and structural alterations in renal tissue. Aim: To assess the effect of whey protein supplementation in kidney of Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: Eighteen healthy adult Wistar albino rats (150–180 g) were divided into three groups of six. Group 1 (control) received normal diet and water for three months; Group 2 received whey protein for one month; Group 3 received for three months. Body weight, serum creatinine, kidney organ weight and renal histopathology (H&E staining) were assessed. Results: Serum creatinine and kidney weight rose in a duration-dependent manner (control < 1-month < 3-month group; one-way ANOVA p < 0.001 for both right and left kidney weight). Histopathology showed normal architecture in controls, mild tubular epithelial swelling and focal dilatation in the 1-month group, and marked tubular degeneration, glomerular congestion and interstitial inflammatory infiltration in the 3-month group. Conclusion: Whey protein supplementation produces progressive, duration-dependent functional and histological alterations in the kidney of Wistar albino rats. Long-term, unsupervised use of protein supplements warrants cautious, medically regulated intake with periodic renal monitoring.