Introduction: In this study, we aimed to investigate whether hydroxytyrosol (HT) has a protective effect on corn syrup-induced kidney damage in rats and the role of podocalyxin (PCX) and pentraxin-3 (PTX3) in this possible effect.

Methods: Rats were divided into four groups with six rats in each group: 1) control, 2) HT, 3) corn syrup, and 4) corn syrup + HT. Rats were given 30% corn syrup added to their drinking water for six weeks. HT was given orally at 4 ml/kg/day, alone and together with corn syrup. PCX and PTX3 in the renal tissue were assessed through histopathological examination. Biochemical parameters were also examined in the sera with the ELISA method.

Results: In this study, it was observed that PCX and PTX3 levels, which increased as a result of corn syrup administration, decreased after HT treatment (p < 0.001). The increase in amylase, lipase, and insulin levels because of corn syrup consumption decreased with HT consumption (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.003, respectively). It was determined that the increase in erythrocyte extravasation, exudate accumulation, and fibrosis observed in the kidney tissue with corn syrup application decreased as a result of HT application (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: It is thought that HT has a protective effect against kidney damage caused by corn syrup and that PCX and PTX3 may play a role in this effect.