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Published on: May 4, 2016
Effects of Fluoride on DNA Damage and Caspase-Mediated Apoptosis in the Liver of Rats
Guo Hua Song1, Fu Bing Huang, Ji Ping Gao
1Laboratory Animal Center, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science and Animal Model of Human Disease, Shanxi Medical University, Road Xinjian 56, Taiyuan, 030001, China, ghsongg@hotmail.com.
Abstract:
Fluoride compounds are abundant and widely distributed in the environment at a variety of concentrations. Further, fluoride induces toxic effects in target organs such as the liver. In this study, we investigated liver histopathology, DNA damage, apoptosis, and the mRNA and protein expressions of caspase-3 and -9 in the rat livers by administering varying concentrations of fluoride (0, 50, 100, 200 mg/L ) for 120 days. The results showed fluoride-induced morphological changes and significantly increased apoptosis and DNA damage in rats exposed to fluoride, especially in response to higher doses. The immunohistochemical and qRT-PCR results indicated that caspase-3, caspase-9 protein positive expression and mRNA relative expression enhanced with increasing NaF concentration. In summary, our findings suggest that chronic exposure to fluoride causes damages to liver histopathology and leads to liver apoptosis through caspase-mediated pathways.
Insights
Chronic fluoride exposure damages rat livers, increasing DNA damage and apoptosis. This occurs via caspase-mediated pathways, particularly at higher fluoride concentrations, indicating significant liver toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Hepatopathology
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Fluoride compounds are ubiquitous environmental contaminants.
- Fluoride is known to induce toxic effects in target organs, including the liver.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of chronic fluoride exposure on rat liver histopathology.
- To assess fluoride-induced DNA damage, apoptosis, and caspase-3/-9 expression in rat livers.
Main Methods:
- Rats were administered varying concentrations of fluoride (0, 50, 100, 200 mg/L) for 120 days.
- Liver histopathology, DNA damage, and apoptosis were evaluated.
- mRNA and protein expression of caspase-3 and -9 were analyzed using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- Fluoride exposure induced significant morphological changes in rat livers.
- Increased apoptosis and DNA damage were observed, particularly at higher fluoride doses.
- Caspase-3 and caspase-9 mRNA and protein expression levels were elevated with increasing fluoride concentration.
Conclusions:
- Chronic fluoride exposure causes significant liver histopathological damage.
- Fluoride exposure leads to liver apoptosis mediated by caspase pathways.
- These findings highlight the hepatotoxic potential of chronic fluoride exposure.
