Abstract: FR-PO0368
Dietary Protein Restriction Mitigates AKI-to-CKD Transition After Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Session Information
- AKI: Mechanisms - Metabolism and Repair
October 23, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Acute Kidney Injury
- 103 AKI: Mechanisms
Authors
- Santos, Pedro Henrique Rodrigues dos, Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Souza, Felipe Lima, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Vattimo, Maria De Fatima, Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Andrade, Lucia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Lima, Camila, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Background
Acute kidney injury (AKI) increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although low-protein diets are established in CKD, their effects during post-AKI repair remain unclear. We investigated whether dietary protein restriction improves renal recovery after ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) AKI.
Methods
Male Wistar rats were randomized into SHAM, I/R, or I/R+LPD (~6% protein) groups (n=5/group). After bilateral renal ischemia–reperfusion (30 min), animals were followed for 30 days with serial functional and histological renal assessment, including interstitial fibrosis quantification.
Results
Both I/R groups developed severe AKI early after injury, with marked increases in serum creatinine and urea and significant reductions in creatinine clearance at day 2 versus SHAM. However, animals receiving the low-protein diet demonstrated improved recovery-phase renal function. At day 15, creatinine clearance was significantly higher in I/R+LPD versus I/R animals (0.98±0.36 vs 0.44±0.16 mL/min/100g; p<0.05). Proteinuria progressively increased in I/R animals but was markedly reduced by protein restriction at day 30 (10.8±4.8 vs 57.1±14.5 mg/24h; p<0.05). Histopathological analysis demonstrated reduced tubulitis, tubular dilation, and hyaline cast formation in I/R+LPD animals. Importantly, interstitial fibrosis was reduced by approximately 57% in the low-protein group compared with I/R animals (11.9±1.7% vs 27.9±1.8%; p<0.05) (Figure 1). Urinary concentrating ability remained impaired in both I/R groups. Mortality was higher after I/R injury, with a nonsignificant trend toward improved survival in the low-protein group.
Conclusion
These findings identify post-AKI dietary protein restriction as a potential strategy to mitigate maladaptive repair and AKI-to-CKD transition.
Acknowledgment
Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), grant number 402189/2023-0.
Funding
- Government Support – Non-U.S.