Immunolocalization of p53 and p21 in Kidneys Exposed to T-2 Mycotoxin
Journal
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
Date Issued
2025-12-15
Author(s)
Hussar, Piret
Dovenska, Monika
Popovska-Percinic, Florina
DOI
10.3390/cimb47121045
Abstract
T-2 mycotoxins are known to induce toxic effects in animals. The kidneys are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress induced by toxins, resulting in cellular damage, apoptosis, and disruptions to cell cycle regulation. Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 and tumor suppressor protein p53 are key modulators of these pathways. As our knowledge on the immunolocalization of p53 and p21 during T-2 mycotoxicosis in the avian kidney is limited, this study was designed to investigate the immunolocalization of these two critical apoptosis regulatory proteins in the renal tissues of broiler chickens treated with T-2 mycotoxin. In the experiment, ten seven-day-old female Ross chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) were separated into the control group and T-2 toxin group. T-2 toxin was orally administered to the T-2 toxin group for three days. Then, 24 h after the last dose, chickens were sacrificed and kidney tissues were collected and fixed for immunohistochemical staining. Immunohistochemical analysis using polyclonal primary antibodies against p53 and p21 (Abcam, Cambridge, UK) demonstrated increased expression of p21 and p53 in T-2 toxin-treated chickens’ kidneys compared to healthy chickens in the control group. Both proteins were mainly localized in the epithelial cells of the renal proximal tubules. The enhanced staining intensity of p21 and p53 emphasizes their contribution to T-2-induced renal toxicity and suggests their potential as biomarkers for the early detection of nephrotoxicity.