Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 1, 2026
Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice
Published on: June 8, 2022
Effects of Chronic Exposure to Microcystin-LR on Kidney in Mice
Xiping Yi1, Shuaishuai Xu1, Feiyu Huang1
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, China.
Abstract:
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a potent hepatotoxin, but a few studies suggested that it might also induce nephrotoxicity. However, nephrotoxicity induced by prolonged oral exposure to MC-LR is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential influence of MC-LR on the kidney in mice following chronic exposure to MC-LR. In this study, we evaluated the nephrotoxicity of MC-LR in mice drinking water at different concentrations (1, 30, 60, 90, and 120 μg/L) for 6 months for the first time. The results showed that the kidney weights and the kidney indexes of mice were not altered in the MC-LR treated mice, compared with the control group. In addition, the renal function indicators revealed that the serum creatinine (SCr) levels were not significant changes after exposure to MC-LR. The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were markedly decreased after exposure to 90 and 120μg/L MC-LR for 3 months. The BUN levels were lower than that of the control group after exposure to 120μg/L MC-LR for 6 months. The histopathological investigation revealed enlarged renal corpuscles, widened of kidney tubules, and lymphocyte infiltration in the interstitial tissue and the renal pelvis after exposure to 60, 90, and 120 μg/L MC-LR. Consequently, our results suggested that long-term exposure to MC-LR might be one important risk of kidney injury, which will provide important clues for the prevention of renal impairment.
Insights
Prolonged oral exposure to microcystin-LR (MC-LR) may pose a risk to kidney health. Chronic MC-LR intake in mice induced kidney damage, highlighting potential risks for renal impairment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Nephrology
- Public health
Background:
- Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a known hepatotoxin.
- Limited data exists on MC-LR's long-term effects on kidney function.
- Chronic oral exposure risks of MC-LR remain largely uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential nephrotoxicity of chronic oral exposure to MC-LR in a mouse model.
- To evaluate kidney function and histopathology following prolonged MC-LR intake at various concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to different concentrations of MC-LR (1-120 μg/L) in drinking water for 6 months.
- Kidney weights, kidney indexes, serum creatinine (SCr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were assessed.
- Renal histopathology was examined for signs of damage.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in kidney weight or SCr levels were observed.
- BUN levels decreased at higher MC-LR concentrations (90 and 120 μg/L) after 3 months and were lower after 6 months.
- Histopathology revealed renal corpuscle enlargement, tubule widening, and inflammation in mice exposed to 60, 90, and 120 μg/L MC-LR.
Conclusions:
- Long-term oral exposure to MC-LR may represent a significant risk factor for kidney injury.
- Findings suggest potential for renal impairment, necessitating further investigation and preventative measures.
- This study provides crucial insights into the chronic nephrotoxic effects of MC-LR.
