Effect of dapagliflozin on sepsis-induced kidney injury in a rat model: modulation of the NLRP3 pathway.

INTRODUCTION

Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major cause of mortality in critically ill patients. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis are key contributors to sepsis-related renal damage. Dapagliflozin (DPG), an SGLT2 inhibitor, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and nephroprotective effects. This study aimed to investigate the renoprotective effects of DPG in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis model, focusing on inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the kidneys.

METHODS

Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were divided into four equal groups: (1) Control group, which received saline for 5 days; (2) LPS group, which received oral saline for 5 days and a single intraperitoneal LPS injection (5 mg/kg on day 5); (3) LPS+DPG group, which received oral DPG (10 mg/kg/day) for 5 days and a single intraperitoneal LPS injection (5 mg/kg on day 5); (4) DPG group, which received oral DPG (10 mg/kg/day) for 5 days. At the end of the experiment, samples were collected for histopathological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and genetic analyses.

RESULTS

DPG significantly reduced serum urea and creatinine levels, indicating improved renal function. Histopathological analysis of the kidney tissues revealed reduced inflammation, hemorrhage, and necrosis in the LPS+DPG group compared to the LPS group. Also, DPG lowered the expression of pro-inflammatory markers (APAF-1, TNF-α, VCAM-1), reduced oxidative stress (decreased OSI), and downregulated NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 gene expression.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic DPG administration exerts notable renoprotective effects in sepsis-induced AKI by mitigating inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. These findings highlight its potential as a preventive strategy, warranting further investigation in therapeutic contexts.