Hepatic toll of keto: unveiling the inflammatory and structural consequences of ketogenic diet in rats.

Abstract

Background: The ketogenic diet (KD) has been used as a therapeutic diet for a range of diseases such as epilepsy, obesity, and cancer. However, it may cause some adverse effects that are not well known. This study aimed to assess the possible impact of the KD on liver structure and function, as well as hepatic inflammatory markers.

Methods: Ninety male rats were randomly divided into two groups: the normal diet group consumed a standard rat chow, and the KD group consumed a diet composed of 90% fat, 8% protein, and 2% carbohydrates for 30 days. The serum levels of lipid profile (cholesterol and triglyceride), liver enzymes, hepatic levels of inflammatory markers, and steatosis grading were evaluated and compared between the two groups.

Results: The serum cholesterol and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels in the KD group were significantly higher than in the normal diet group. However, there were no significant differences between groups in serum triglyceride and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels. Hepatic inflammatory markers, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), both were higher in the KD group compared to the normal diet group. In the liver biopsy, the degree of steatosis was significantly higher in the KD group compared to the normal diet group.

Conclusion: The KD may cause hepatic adverse effects by inducing steatosis and inflammation.