Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) ASCP Practice Exam

What are oval fat bodies in renal pathology?

1. Normal renal tubular cells

2. Renal tubular epithelial cells that contain lipids

3. Cylindrical epithelial cells devoid of lipids

4. Granular casts derived from glomerular cells

The correct answer is: Renal tubular epithelial cells that contain lipids

Oval fat bodies are specifically renal tubular epithelial cells that have absorbed lipids, typically indicating a pathological process occurring within the kidney. These fat bodies are often associated with conditions such as nephrotic syndrome, where there is a significant loss of proteins leading to an increase in lipid metabolism. In nephrotic syndrome, the kidneys lose large amounts of protein in urine, causing a compensatory increase in lipid production by the liver. The proximal tubular cells in the kidneys then take up these lipids, leading to the formation of fatty droplets within the cells, which take on an oval shape and can be identified during microscopic examination. The presence of oval fat bodies is an important diagnostic feature in evaluating renal pathology, as it provides insights into the underlying condition affecting kidney function. The other choices do not accurately represent oval fat bodies: normal renal tubular cells lack lipid accumulation, cylindrical epithelial cells without lipids do not embody the characteristics of fat bodies, and granular casts are distinct structures that originate from glomerular damage but are not specific to fat accumulation in tubular cells. Understanding the nature and significance of oval fat bodies is crucial in diagnosing and managing kidney diseases.