Cyclopiazonic acid augments the hepatic and renal oxidative stress in broiler chicks

Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to serious tissue injuries. The effect of cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) on oxidative stress markers in the liver and kidneys of broiler chicks was studied. Ten-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were assigned into the control and test groups, which received normal saline and 10, 25, and 50 μg/kg CPA, respectively, for 28 days. Body weight gain, serum level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), uric acid, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured after 2 and 4 weeks exposure. Moreover, the total thiol molecules (TTM) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the liver and kidneys were assessed. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in body weight gain between the control and test groups. Whereas, the hepatic weight increased significantly (p < 0.05) in animals that received 25 and 50 μg/kg CPA. Both ALP and GGT level in serum were elevated in comparison to the control group. CPA also resulted in uric acid, creatinine, and BUN enhancement in broilers. The MDA content of the liver and kidneys showed remarkable increase. By contrast, the TTM levels in the liver and kidneys were significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated. Histopathological findings confirmed the biochemical changes in either organ characterized by inflammatory cells infiltration along with severe congestion and cell swelling, suggesting an inflammatory response. These data suggest that exposure to CPA resulted in hepatic and renal disorders, which were reflected as biochemical markers alteration and pathological injuries in either organ. The biochemical alteration and pathological abnormalities may be attributed to CPA-induced oxidative stress.