mitigation of ochratoxin a-induced renal toxicity by kaempferol in albino mice

Background and objective: this study investigated the protective effects of kaempferol, a natural flavonoid known for its antioxidant properties, against ochratoxin a-induced renal damage. ochratoxin a, a nephrotoxic mycotoxin found in contaminated food and feed, primarily induces renal damage through oxidative stress. the objective was to assess kaempferol’s potential in mitigating ochratoxin a -induced renal toxicity and its underlying molecular mechanisms. methods: male albino mice were divided into four groups: normal control, kaempferol control, ochratoxin a -induced renal toxicity, and ochratoxin a -induced renal toxicity treated with kaempferol. ochratoxin a was administered twice a week for 8 weeks at 5 mg/kg body weight to induce renal toxicity. kaempferol (50 mg/kg) was administered twice a week for 8 weeks after a 4-hour interval following ochratoxin a administration. results: results showed that kaempferol normalized levels of blood urea nitrogen (bun) and creatinine, indicating protection against ochratoxin a-induced pathophysiology. kaempferol also increased phosphorylation of pi3k and akt, potentially activating antioxidative and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways regulated by nrf2. additionally, kaempferol enhanced bcl-2 activation while suppressing caspase-3, suggesting anti-apoptotic effects. histopathological analysis revealed reduced renal damage in kaempferol-treated mice compared to those exposed to ochratoxin a alone. conclusion: kaempferol demonstrated efficacy in preventing ochratoxin a -induced kidney injury through antioxidative and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. these findings suggest potential therapeutic applications of kaempferol in oxidative stress-induced renal damage.