Therapeutic and antioxidant effects of lactoperoxidase on aflatoxin B1-induced nephrotoxicity in adult male rats

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a type of mycotoxin, is present in food and feed and is toxic to both people and animals. Histological effects of AFB1 on the rat kidney have not been well understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of lactoperoxidase (LPO) against aflatoxin B1-induced nephrotoxicity in a trial to improve its clinical use. Adult male Wistar rats (150–200 g b.w) were randomly divided into four groups (10 rats each): (1) healthy control group, (2) healthy rats treated IP with LPO (50mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks, (3) rats intoxicated orally with AFB1 (80 µg/ kg/day) for 6 weeks, and (4) Animals treated with LPO for 6 weeks after intoxication with AFB1. The results showed that LPO was successful in reducing aflatoxin B1-induced nephrotoxicity after 6 weeks of treatment. This was demonstrated by the significant decrease in blood urea, urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, TNF-α, IL-1β, as well as kidney NO, MDA, and DNA damages matched with a significant increase in CD4 and albumin levels as well as kidney GSH and SOD. Furthermore, the LPO was successful in aflatoxin B1-induced tissue degenerations, reflecting its therapeutic potential. In conclusion, due to their antioxidant and radical scavenging properties, LPO may be as effective in improving nephrons from aflatoxin B1-induced nephrotoxicity.