Exposure to bisphenol S promotes renal damage via aryl hydrocarbon receptor and NF-κB pathways in a mice model of obesity

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the impact of bisphenol S (BPS) exposure on kidney function parameters, renal histopathology, and inflammatory markers in mice that received a high-fat diet.

Methods: 43 male C57BL/6 mice were divided into control (C; n = 9), high-fat diet (HF; n = 10), control + BPS (CBPS; n = 12), and high-fat diet + BPS (HFBPS; n = 12) groups. The drinking water offered BPS (25 μg/kg body mass/day). After 12 weeks, the animals were euthanized, and the kidneys and plasma were collected. Renal function was measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were assessed in the kidney. Hematoxylin, eosin, and periodic acid-Schiff staining were carried out, with a qualitative and histomorphometric evaluation of the slides. Immunohistochemistry was also carried out for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB).

Results: BPS exposure did not change the IL-6 (p = 0.3268), lipid peroxidation (p = 0.2378), or protein carbonylation levels in the kidneys (p = 0.3975). While kidney function remained intact, BPS exposure caused damage to the tubules and glomeruli, as well as renal steatosis. Also, BPS exposure promoted higher expression of AHR and NF-κB in the renal tubules and increased CD31 expression in the glomeruli. The HFBPS group exhibited disorganization of the renal parenchyma.

Conclusion: These findings raise concerns about the potential long-term impact of BPS exposure on renal health, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms and clinical relevance.

Keywords: Bisphenol S; Endocrine disruptors; Kidney damage; Kidney disease; Lipotoxicity; Obesity; Preclinical model.