Investigation of the Effects of Formaldehyde Exposure on BDNF and FGF23 Levels in Kidney Tissues of Rats

Abstract

Aim: Formaldehyde (FA) is a highly toxic chemical agent that can easily turn into gas at room temperature. It has a wide range of uses. Anatomists, pathologists, and histologists are frequently exposed to FA due to their areas of practice. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a protein secreted from the central nervous system and peripheral tissues that support the differentiation and growth of newly formed nerve cells and synapses. It is proven to be expressed in renal glomeruli. FGF23 is a bone-derived hormone that regulates phosphate and calcium homeostasis. It is a critical component of the abnormal mineral metabolism that complicates chronic kidney disease. This study investigates the effect of FA exposure on 3BDNF and FGF23 levels in rat kidney tissue. Material and Methods: The study included 14 male Spraque- Dawley rats (7 animals in each group) aged between 8 and 10 weeks. During the experiment, the rats in the control group were exposed to natural atmospheric air in a glass bell jar. The rats in the FA group inhaled 10 ppm 8 h/day FA in a glass bell jar 5 days a week (excluding Saturdays and Sundays) for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the rats were decapitated, and their kidneys were removed. Kidney tissues were homogenized and tested using the ELISA method. Results: It was observed that BDNF levels significantly decreased and FGF23 levels significantly increased in the kidney tissues of FA-exposed rats compared to the control group. Conclusions: This study first demonstrated the effect of exposure to FA on FGF23 and BDNF levels in rat kidney tissue. This study will contribute to future research on oxidants that increase FGF23 and BDNF expression or antioxidants that target their reduction. Accordingly, we consider it will also contribute to public health.