Dietary Macronutrient Composition Is Associated with Distinct Hepatic Phenotypes During Post-Weaning Growth: An Integrated Biochemical, Histological, Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural hepatic phenotypes associated with carbohydrate-, fat- and protein-enriched diets initiated during post-weaning growth.

Methods

Forty 21-day-old male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: a control group and three experimental groups (carbohydrate, protein, and fat). The respective diets were fed for 13 weeks. Hepatic oxidant–antioxidant parameters, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), histopathological scores; interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) immunoreactivity and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) findings were evaluated.