Tributyltin chloride induces renal dysfunction by inflammation and oxidative stress in female rats

Abstract

Tributyltin chloride (TBT) is an organometallic pollutant that is used as a biocide in antifouling paints. TBT induces several toxic and endocrine-disrupting effects. However, studies evaluating the effects of TBT on renal function are rare. This study demonstrates that TBT exposure is responsible for improper renal function as well as the development of abnormal morphophysiology in mammalian kidneys. Female rats were treated with TBT, and their renal morphophysiology was assessed. Morphophysiological abnormalities such as decreased glomerular filtration rate and increased proteinuria levels were observed in TBT rats. In addition, increases in inflammation, collagen deposition and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein expression were observed in TBT kidneys. A disrupted cellular redox balance and apoptosis in kidney tissue were also observed in TBT rats. TBT rats demonstrated reduced serum estrogen levels and estrogen receptor-α (ERα) protein expression in renal cortex. Together, these data provide in vivo evidence that TBT is toxic to normal renal function and that these effects may be associated with renal histopathology complications, such as inflammation and fibrosis.

Organotin Compounds Toxicity: Focus on Kidney

“…Thus, TBT presents a complex and contradictory toxicological renal effect. Furthermore, TBT was shown to lead to a reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and increased proteinuria levels in female rats exposed to TBT (100 ng/kg/day) for 15 days ( 47 ). Renal structural abnormalities such as increased glomerular tuft area and tubulointerstitial collagen deposition were also observed.…”

“…Renal structural abnormalities such as increased glomerular tuft area and tubulointerstitial collagen deposition were also observed. Additionally, TBT led to tin renal tissue accumulation associated with higher renal oxidative stress and apoptosis levels, leading to abnormal renal function ( 47 ).…”

“…Other striking features regarding OTs and their effects in the kidneys are the increase in oxidative stress, hypokalemia state, and kidney stones formation ( 47 – 49 ). They all will be discussed along these lines.…”

Overview of the Pathophysiological Implications of Organotins on the Endocrine System

“…Studies have shown that OTs cause several damages, including genetic, hepatic, renal, adrenal, neural, and immune toxicity ( 20 – 24 ). More importantly, recent reports indicate that TBT is a highly persistent chemical in the environment and food chain, being considered one of the largest existing endocrine disruptor with consequences to different hormonal functions ( 3 , 20 , 21 , 25 – 27 ).…”

“…These organisms undergo a phenomenon denominated “imposex,” that is the superposition of male genital organs in female individuals ( 32 , 33 ). Notwithstanding, this endocrine disruptor has been proven as able to reduce circulating estrogen levels and cause morphophysiological damages also in reproductive organs of vertebrates, including mammals ( 5 , 20 , 21 , 26 , 34 ).…”