Preventive Effect of Powder Bergamot Juice (Citrus bergamia Risso & Poiteau) on Pathophysiological Processes of Renal Disease in an Experimental Western Diet Model.

Abstract

The Western diet (WD), rich in sugars and saturated fats, is linked to metabolic disturbances that contribute to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Natural antioxidants have been investigated in several diseases, including bergamot (Citrus bergamia), a citrus fruit rich in polyphenols with recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluated the preventive effect of powder bergamot juice (PBJ) on renal alterations induced by WD in male Wistar rats. Animals were allocated into four groups (n = 7): control diet, control + PBJ (250 mg/kg), WD; and WD + PBJ for 20 weeks. WD groups also received 25% sucrose in drinking water. Nutritional, metabolic, hormonal, renal, and oxidative stress (OS) markers were measured. Statistical analyses included two-way ANOVA/Tukey's post-hoc and Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn's post-hoc (p < 0.05). WD increased caloric intake, body weight, adiposity index, glucose, triglycerides, and renal OS markers, and reduced kidney function. PBJ supplementation reduced adiposity and triglycerides, improved antioxidant enzyme activity, and preserved renal function. PBJ attenuated metabolic and oxidative alterations induced by WD, supporting its potential as a preventive strategy against early renal dysfunction associated with CKD.