Renal changes in the early stages of diet-induced obesity in ovariectomized rats

The relationship between obesity and renal lesions, especially in low estrogen levels, has been less documented. The aim of this study was to assess the renal changes in diet-induced obesity in ovariectomized rats. Wistar rats were ovariectomized or sham-operated and divided into four groups: sham-operated rats fed a standard diet (SSD); ovariectomized rats fed a standard diet (OSD); sham-operated rats fed a high-fat diet (SHFD); ovariectomized rats fed a high-fat diet (OHFD). Body weight and blood pressure were measured weekly. The rats were killed 24 weeks after initiation of standard or high-fat diet treatment, the kidneys were removed for immunohistochemical and histological studies. Blood and urine samples were collected to quantify sodium, potassium and creatinine. OHFD rats presented increases in visceral adipose tissue, serum insulin levels, blood pressure and proteinuria, and a decrease in fractional excretion of sodium as well. Histological and morphometric studies showed focal alterations in the renal cortex. Expression of macrophages, lymphocytes, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB), Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA), angiotensin II (ANG II) and vimentin was greater in OHFD rats than in control rats. Thus, these results demonstrate that the high-fat diet in ovariectomized rats promoted renal function and structure changes, renal interstitial infiltration of mononuclear cells and increased expression of ANG II and NF-kappaB.