Assessment of Some Kidney Function Indices and Kidney Histopathology of Wistar Rats Exposed to Crude Palm Oil of Varied Free Fatty Acid Levels

Palm oil is a major source of dietary fats and oils in many regions of the world. In this study, the effect of crude palm oil (CPO) of varied free fatty acid (FFA) levels on some kidney function indices and kidney histopathology in Wistar rats was investigated. Thirty-six female Wistar rats were grouped into six categories: a control group with no palm oil intake and five experimental groups receiving crude palm oil with FFA levels of 0.4 %, 4.8 %, 8.4 %, 21.9 % and 42.7 %, respectively. The rats were administered a dosage of 480 mg/kg body weight of CPO for four weeks. Body and kidney weights, as well as serum creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium and chloride levels were determined. Furthermore, histopathological examination of kidney tissues was performed to assess structural changes. A reduction in serum creatinine and urea levels was observed across all experimental groups compared to the control. A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in creatinine levels from 5.98 mg/dL in the control to 4.00 mg/dL in the 42.7 % FFA group was observed, while urea decreased from 9.58 mg/dL to 9.23 mg/dL in the 8.4% FFA group. Sodium reduced from 140.76 meq/L in the control to 105.00 meq/L in the 8.4 % FFA group, and potassium declined from 8.67 mmol/L to 6.23 mmol/L in the 42.7 % FFA group, these changes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Chloride concentrations remained stable across all groups. Histopathological analyses showed no observable damage to renal features across all groups, indicating preserved kidney integrity. The findings suggest that FFA levels up to 42.7 % in palm oil does not impair kidney function in Wistar rats.