Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) induces kidney damage in animals and humans. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death that is involved in OTA-induced kidney injury. Quercetin (QCT), which is commonly found in numerous fruit and vegetables, has extensive pharmacological properties, such as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of QCT on OTA-induced kidney damage and the associated ferroptosis mechanism in mice. The results showed that OTA induced kidney damage, as demonstrated by the presence of kidney histopathological lesions, increased serum BUN and CRE levels, mRNA levels of Ntn1, Kim1, Tnfa, Ilb and Il6, and immunofluorescence of TNFα. OTA induced lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis by increasing the MDA level, 4-HNE production, and the iron concentration, decreasing the GSH content, increasing ACSL4 and HO-1 mRNA and protein levels, and decreasing GPX4 mRNA and protein levels. QCT supplementation alleviated OTA-induced kidney damage and inhibited OTA-induced lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis by reversing the OTA-induced above changes. Erastin weakened the protective effects of QCT on the histopathological damage, renal function, and inflammation induced by OTA. These findings indicated that QCT alleviated OTA-induced kidney injury through ferroptosis, suggesting that QCT might serve as a feed additive in mycotoxin contamination environments.