Sex differences in aristolochic acid I-induced nephrotoxicity in mice and the effect of estradiol.

Aristolochic acid I (AAI), the most prominent component of aristolochic acids and found in nearly all aristolochic herbs, has been demonstrated significant nephrotoxicity. In this study, an acute nephrotoxicity model of AAI mice was established by a single dose injection of AAI. It was observed that there are differences of the sensitivity to AAI nephrotoxicity in female and male mice, with male mice exhibiting nephrotoxic effects even at lower doses.