Renal dysfunction induced by long-term exposure to depleted uranium in rats

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Environmental Health
• Radiochemistry

Background:

• Depleted uranium (DU) is a heavy metal with chemical and radiological toxicity.
• Exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or wounds, leading to systemic health concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamic changes and distribution of uranium in rats following DU implantation.
• To evaluate the long-term renal histopathological and functional effects of DU exposure.

Main Methods:

• Male Sprague Dawley rats were surgically implanted with DU fragments at varying doses.
• Uranium levels in tissues were measured using ICP-MS over 12 months.
• Renal histopathology, dysfunction markers (BUN, creatinine, beta2-MG, albumin), and ultrastructural changes were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Uranium concentrations in kidneys increased with implanted DU dose and time, peaking at 90 days and remaining elevated for 360 days.
• Chronic DU exposure induced significant renal histopathological changes, including glomerular and tubular damage.
• Biomarkers indicated substantial renal dysfunction, correlating with DU dosage and exposure duration.

Conclusions:

• Depleted uranium exhibits long-term accumulation in renal tissues.
• DU exposure causes significant chemical/radioactive-induced kidney injury, manifesting as structural damage and functional impairment.