Comparative Effects of High-Milk-Protein Diets and Processing on Body Weight, Organ Morphology, and Histology in Rats: Influence of Protein Formulation and Processing

Fanoun, Mohammad; El-Agamy, Elsayed; Elsayed, Ibrahim; AbdElwahab, Miral; Awad, Sameh

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2025.409780.12135

Comparative Effects of High-Milk-Protein Diets and Processing on Body Weight, Organ Morphology, and Histology in Rats: Influence of Protein Formulation and Processing

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Food Technology, Palestine Technical University-Kadoorie, Palestine

² Alexandria University Faculty of Agriculture · Department of Dairy Science Ph.D. Immunovirology

³ Department of Dairy Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Egypt

⁴ Pharmaceutical and Fermentation Industries Development Centre (PFIDC), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Borg Al Arab Al Gadida city, Egypt

⁵ Department of Dairy Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21545, Egypt.

10.21608/ejchem.2025.409780.12135

Abstract

This research study was focused on monitoring the changes in morphological and histological features of body organs in rats fed different forms of high-milk-protein diets. The weight gain rates were lower in all groups of rats fed treatments of concentrated milk protein than those fed the control diet of low protein. Overall, the results suggest that high protein intake can worsen existing kidney problems, particularly in cases of deteriorated kidney function. Although high protein intake is generally considered safe for healthy individuals, it is not recommended for those with or at risk of chronic kidney disease, as it may be beneficial to limit high protein intake. Rats fed fermented whey protein concentrate (WPC) showed normal renal cortex, glomeruli, and proximal convoluted tubules in their kidneys. While the kidneys of rats fed hydrolyzed WPC showed an abnormal structure architecture with glomeruli that appeared hypercellular and, in other areas, completely necrotic, and proximal convoluted tubules appeared dilated with hemorrhage in some parts. The histological examination of liver tissues from rats fed a high protein diet (HPD) revealed significant alterations, including an increase in hepatocyte size and the presence of necrotic lesions. The histopathological impact of HPDs on rats' livers is multifaceted, influenced by factors such as protein source. The source of dietary protein also plays a crucial role.

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