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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatotoxic contaminants such as zearalenone (ZEA) are widely present in foods. Marine algae have a wide range of potential applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products. Research is ongoing to develop treatments and products based on the compounds found in algae. Fucoxanthin (FXN) is a brown-algae-derived dietary compound that is reported to prevent hepatotoxicity caused by ZEA. This compound has multiple biological functions, including anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer properties. Furthermore, FXN is a powerful antioxidant. In this study, we examined the effects of FXN on ZEA-induced stress and inflammation in HepG2 cells. MTT assays, ROS generation assays, Western blots, and apoptosis analysis were used to evaluate the effects of FXN on ZEA-induced HepG2 cell inflammation. Pre-incubation with FXN reduced the cytotoxicity of ZEA toward HepG2 cells. FXN inhibited the ZEA-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1 β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Moreover, FXN increased HO-1 expression in HepG2 by activating the PI3K/AKT/NRF2 signaling pathway. In conclusion, FXN inhibits ZEA-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in hepatocytes by targeting Nrf2 via activating PI3K/AKT signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]