Kidney toxicology of a novel compound Lithium Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI, ie. HQ-115) used in energy applications: an Epigenetic evaluation

Abstract

Exposure to emerging energy-based environmental contaminants such as lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), more commonly known as HQ-115, poses a significant threat to human health, yet its impact on kidney function and epigenetic regulation remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of LiTFSI exposure on kidney-related biochemical parameters, renal injuries, and epigenetic alterations in male CD-1 mice under both 14-day and 30-day exposure durations. Our study revealed that LiTFSI exposure led to changes in kidney-related biochemical indicators, notably affecting serum bicarbonate levels, while relative kidney weight remained unaffected. Histological analysis unveiled tubule dilation, inflammation, and loss of kidney structure in LiTFSI-exposed mice, alongside dysregulated expression of genes associated with inflammation, renal function, and uric acid metabolism. Epigenetic analysis further identified widespread DNA methylation changes in the two exposure regimes. Functional analysis revealed that differentially methylated regions are implicated in cell apoptosis and cancer-related pathways and are enriched with development-related transcription factor binding motifs, suggesting a potential mechanism of action that can lead to kidney injury. These findings underscore the intricate interplay between environmental exposures, epigenetic modulation, and kidney health, emphasizing the need for additional research to unravel precise mechanisms that can help in the development of targeted interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of LiTFSI exposure on human health.