CORRECTION OF HISTOMORPHOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS IN THE KIDNEY AND PROSTATE FOLLOWING CHRONIC CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE USING MODERN THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

Abstract

Chronic exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) remains a significant public health concern due to its widespread environmental and occupational sources. Unlike acute poisoning, prolonged exposure to low concentrations of CO causes persistent tissue hypoxia, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic inflammatory responses that gradually impair the structure and function of multiple organs. Among the most susceptible organs are the kidneys and the prostate gland because of their high metabolic activity and dependence on adequate oxygen supply. Histomorphological changes induced by chronic CO intoxication include degeneration of renal glomeruli and tubules, interstitial fibrosis, vascular congestion, epithelial atrophy, stromal remodeling, and inflammatory cell infiltration within the prostate. Recent experimental studies have demonstrated that modern therapeutic strategies based on antioxidants, bioactive plant compounds, anti-inflammatory agents, and mitochondrial protectors may attenuate these pathological changes. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the mechanisms of chronic CO-induced tissue injury and discusses modern therapeutic approaches aimed at correcting histomorphological alterations in the kidney and prostate.