Effects of Exposure to Aflatoxin G1 on the Plasma Biochemical Factors and Histopathological Properties of Renal Tissue in Mice

Background: Among aflatoxins, the subtype aflatoxin G1 is one of the most toxic, commonly found in cereals, legumes, dairy and non-alcoholic beers. Aflatoxins have been known as nephrotoxic compounds. In this study, changes in the expression of aquaporin-1, the histopathology of renal tissue and plasma biochemical factors after exposure to aflatoxin G1 were investigated in mice. Methods: Twenty-four adult male mice (weighing 20±2g) were divided into four groups of six. The control group received the vehicle (0.2 ml) and the three experimental groups were injected intraperitoneally with aflatoxin G1 at 20μg/kg for 7, 15 or 35 days, respectively. On days 7, 15 and 35, blood samples were drawn from the mice for biochemical analysis of plasma and the kidney tissues were sampled for real-time PCR and histopathological studies. Results: The real PCR results showed a reduction in aquaporin-1 expression in the experimental groups compared to those in the controls (P<0.05). Also, the plasma concentrations of urea and creatinine were significantly increased in the experimental groups compared to those in the controls (P<0.05). Also, the serum sodium and potassium levels had decreased significantly compared to the controls (P<0.05). Various damages were observed in the ureters and glomeruli among the experimental groups compared to those in the controls. Conclusions: Aflatoxin G1 had adverse effects on the renal tissue by reducing the expression of aquaporin-1. Subsequently, there were biochemical manifestations in the serum, consisting of changes in the concentrations of urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium, confirming the histopathological toxicity of aflatoxin G1.