EFFECTS OF ACUTE AND CHRONIC FLUORIDE ADMINISTRATION ON SOME KIDNEY PARAMETERS OF RATS (CYS-c, KIM-1, AND NGAL)

Fluorosis is an important disease both in modern societies as well as in the previous periods. Paleopathological studies reveal that people in ancient periods suffered from fluorosis which causes adverse health effects, especially on the musculoskeletal system as well as soft tissues such as kidneys. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of acute and chronic fluoride administration on some kidney markers in rats. Fifty-six Wistar albino rats were divided into 7 groups, 8 in each group. Acute fluoride intoxication was established by administering, in drinking water, 5 ppm (group 2), 15 ppm (group 3), and 50 ppm (group 4) for 7 days. Chronic fluoride intoxication was established by administering 5 ppm (group 5), 15 ppm (group 6), and 50 ppm for 90 days (group 7). Control group (group 1) was given tap water. At the end of the study, the rats were sacrificed under anesthesia and blood samples were taken. The blood was centrifuged and their serums were separated. CYS-c, KIM-1, and NGAL levels were measured by ELISA method, and urea, creatinine, total protein, and albumin levels were measured spectrophotometrically. CYS-c levels were increased in all groups administered fluoride (p>0.05). Similarly all groups had higher levels of NGAL due to fluoride exposure and chronic fluoride 5 mg/L group showed significant increase compared to control (p<0.05). In KIM-1 values, a significant increase occurred in acute fluoride 15 and 50 mg/L (p<0.05). Significant alterations were also observed in creatinine and urea values due to fluoride exposure. Consequently, exposure to fluoride may cause an increase in serum inflammation markers (NGAL, KIM-1) due to differences in dosage and exposure period. Further long term studies, including molecular and histopathological assessments, are needed to elucidate the impact of long term exposure to fluoride on the renal system.