Furan and cadmium combined treatment-potentiated renal damage: Role of oxidative damage.

Furan (FU) is a common food contaminant and environmental pollutant. While cadmium (Cd) is a prevalent environmental contaminant that poses a risk to the health of humans and animals. The goal of the current study was to assess the combined effects of FU and Cd on the kidney of male albino rats. Five groups of rats were designed: Cr-water, Cr-oil, FU (16 mg/kg b.w), Cd (2 mg/kg b.w), and FU+Cd, rats were co-treated with both FU and Cd. All treatments were given orally for 30 days. Renal function testing revealed severe biochemical changes in the rats, indicating substantial tissue injury. In addition, there was a notable rise in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and a fall in reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration as well as the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Also, prominent histopathological alterations in renal tissues were noticed. Additionally, FU and/or Cd significantly up-regulated the expression profile of Kim-1, and inflammatory markers (TNF-α and iNOS). Meanwhile, Aqp1, and Aqp2 m-RNA genes expression were significantly downregulated along with significant upregulation of apoptotic proteins (PCNA). Intriguingly, the concurrent FU and Cd intoxication elicited additional extensive renal injury than their individual exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]