Rho-Associated Kinase Inhibitor Fasudil Protects from Sepsis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Rat via Suppressing STAT-3 and NLRP-3 Pathway

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (S-AKI) is a severe complication in critically ill patients, marked by inflammation, oxidative stress, and renal dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the renoprotective effects of Fasudil (Fas), a Rho-associated kinase inhibitor, in a rat model of S-AKI ind...

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Main Authors: Neslihan Şahin, Ejder Saylav Bora, Osman Sezer Çınaroğlu, Oytun Erbaş
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Current Issues in Molecular Biology
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/47/5/340
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Summary:Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (S-AKI) is a severe complication in critically ill patients, marked by inflammation, oxidative stress, and renal dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the renoprotective effects of Fasudil (Fas), a Rho-associated kinase inhibitor, in a rat model of S-AKI induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Thirty-six Wistar albino rats were divided into control, CLP with saline, and Fas (100 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally) groups. Biochemical, histopathological, and molecular analyses were conducted to assess kidney function, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Fas treatment significantly decreased plasma malondialdehyde and TNF-α levels, reducing oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. Kidney function markers, including BUN and creatinine, showed marked improvement. Furthermore, Fas suppressed the expression of STAT-3 and NLRP-3 in renal tissues, highlighting its role in modulating key inflammatory pathways. Histological evaluation revealed alleviated renal damage, with less tubular necrosis and interstitial inflammation in the Fas-treated group. In conclusion, Fas demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and nephroprotective effects in S-AKI, primarily by inhibiting STAT-3 and NLRP-3 signaling. These results support its potential as a therapeutic agent in sepsis-induced kidney injury and suggest the need for further clinical evaluation.
ISSN:1467-3037
1467-3045