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Effects of Waterpipe Smoke Exposure on Experimentally Induced Chronic Kidney Disease in Mice
Sumaya Beegam1, Suhail Al-Salam2,3, Nur Elena Zaaba1
1Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates.
Abstract:
Tobacco smoking is an independent risk factor in the onset of kidney disease. To date, there have been no reports on the influence of waterpipe smoke (WPS) in experimentally induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) models. We studied the effects and mechanisms of actions of WPS on a mouse model of adenine-induced CKD. Mice fed either a normal diet, or an adenine-added diet and were exposed to either air or WPS (30 min/day and 5 days/week) for four consecutive weeks. Plasma creatinine, urea and indoxyl sulfate increased and creatinine clearance decreased in adenine + WPS versus either WPS or adenine + saline groups. The urinary concentrations of kidney injury molecule-1 and adiponectin and the activities of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase were augmented in adenine + WPS compared with either adenine + air or WPS groups. In the kidney tissue, several markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were higher in adenine + WPS than in either adenine + air or WPS groups. Compared with the controls, WPS inhalation in mice with CKD increased DNA damage, and urinary concentration of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine. Furthermore, the expressions of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) (ERK and p38) were elevated in the kidneys of adenine + WPS group, compared with the controls. Likewise, the kidneys of adenine + WPS group revealed more marked histological tubular injury, chronic inflammation and interstitial fibrosis. In conclusion, WPS inhalation aggravates kidney injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage and fibrosis in mice with adenine-induced CKD, indicating that WPS exposure intensifies CKD. These effects were associated with a mechanism involving NF-κB, ERK and p38 activations.
Insights
Waterpipe smoke (WPS) exposure worsens chronic kidney disease (CKD) in mice. WPS intensifies kidney injury, inflammation, and DNA damage, highlighting risks for kidney health.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Toxicology
- Pathology
Background:
- Tobacco smoking is a known risk factor for kidney disease.
- The impact of waterpipe smoke (WPS) on chronic kidney disease (CKD) models is not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of WPS on adenine-induced CKD in a mouse model.
- To assess how WPS influences kidney injury markers, oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in CKD.
Main Methods:
- Mice were fed either a normal or adenine-added diet and exposed to air or WPS for four weeks.
- Evaluated plasma creatinine, urea, indoxyl sulfate, creatinine clearance, and urinary biomarkers.
- Assessed kidney tissue for oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and histological changes, including NF-κB and MAPK activation.
Main Results:
- WPS exposure in adenine-induced CKD mice significantly increased plasma creatinine, urea, and indoxyl sulfate, while decreasing creatinine clearance.
- Elevated urinary kidney injury molecule-1, adiponectin, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase were observed in the WPS + adenine group.
- WPS intensified oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine), NF-κB, ERK, and p38 activations, leading to more severe tubular injury, inflammation, and fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- Waterpipe smoke inhalation exacerbates kidney injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and fibrosis in a mouse model of chronic kidney disease.
- WPS exposure intensifies CKD progression through mechanisms involving NF-κB, ERK, and p38 activation.
- These findings suggest waterpipe smoking poses significant risks to kidney health, particularly in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions.
