Advanced investigation of the protective effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic and pulsed magnetic fields on acute kidney injury induced by an experimental sepsis model

Sepsis is defined as organ dysfunction resulting from the host's dysregulated response to infection. Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is associated with prolonged hospital and ICU stays, increased mortality and morbidity rates, and reduced quality of life. There is a need for new adjunctive treatment methods for sepsis and SA-AKI. This study aims to develop a new and effective approach to the treatment of sepsis and SA-AKI using DMA and RF-EMA applications, which are distinguished by their low cost, non-invasive nature, and ease of application. The study utilized 48 female Wistar Albino rats, each weighing 250-300 grams. The most effective durations for RF-EMA and DMA applications were determined by a preliminary histopathological examination. Durations of 0.5 hours for RF-EMA and 3 hours for DMA were selected for the main study. In the main study, five groups, each containing eight animals, were formed. Group 1 (Control): received only 1 ml saline ip. Group 2 (LPS): received 5 mg/kg LPS ip. Group 3 (RF-EMA): received 5 mg/kg LPS ip followed by 0.5 hours of RF-EMA. Group 4 (DMA): received 5 mg/kg LPS ip followed by 3 hours of DMA. Group 5 (RF-EMA+DMA): received 5 mg/kg LPS ip followed by 0.5 hours of RF-EMA and 3 hours of DMA. Six hours after LPS administration, all rats were sacrificed. Serum samples were analyzed for BUN and creatinine levels. Histopathological and immunohistochemical staining of the left kidney tissue and artery were performed to examine TNF-α, Cas-3, and iNOS. Biochemical analyses of the right kidney tissue assessed TOS, TAS, OSI, while genetic analyses evaluated the expression of IL-6, HIF-1α, eNOS, Bcl-2, Bax, and Cas-9. Both single and combined applications of DMA and RF-EMA showed improvements in histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations compared to the LPS group. Magnetic field applications significantly reduced BUN, creatinine levels, and OSI rates compared to the LPS group in both single and combined uses. Genetic analyses also showed improvements with magnetic field applications compared to the LPS group. In the experimental sepsis model induced by LPS, the single and combined use of RF-EMA and DMA applications demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects.