Evaluation of the Expression of RCC and KIM-1 Biomarkers in Nephrotoxicity of Rabbits Treated with Ochratoxins A

Abstract

Mycotoxin known as ochratoxin A (OTA) is generated by a number of fungi, including Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus carbonarius, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium verrucosum. OTA causes kidney tumors and nephrotoxicity in humans and a number of other animal species. This study was conducted to determine the effect of OTA in the kidney of New Zealand White rabbits and the role of RCC and KIM-1 biomarkers in kidney toxicity induced by OTA. Histopathological study showed various pathological effects of rabbit's kidneys treated with 0.5 mg/kg (body weight intraperitoneally) with OTA in comparison with control animals. RCC and KIM-1 were used as biomarkers for the immunohistochemical study, results showed that there were no expressions in control animals (score =0), while the expressions of RCC and KIM-1 in animals kidney treated with 0.5 mg/kg (body weight intraperitoneally) of OTA were strong (score =3) and moderate (score =2) respectively.