The study on the effect of N-acetylcysteine on kidney apoptosis in a rat intraabdominal sepsis model

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of NAC (N-acetylcysteine) on kidney apoptosis using a rat intraabdominal sepsis modelMethods: Following the necessary approvals were obtained from the Laboratory Animals Ethics Committee, 21 adult male Wistar rats weighing between 200 and 250 grs were randomised into three study groups: sham, sepsis, and NAC groups. In sham group, only laparotomy was performed, whereas in both sepsis and NAC groups cecal ligation and perforation were done. Sham and sepsis groups were given once daily 1 mL saline for three times. In NAC group 150 mg/kg/day NAC was given intraperitoneally for three days. Six hours after the last dose, midline laparotomy was performed to all rats, and both kidneys were removed for biochemical and histopathological sampling. Findings from these tissues were compared based on MDA levels, structural changes in renal corpus and proximal tubules, mononuclear cell infiltration, erythrocyte extravasation and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinases (caspases)-3 immunoreactivity. Data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis, and Mann-Witney U tests.Results: Structural changes in proximal tubules, caspase-3 immunoreactivity and mononuclear cell infiltration and erythrocyte extravasation were significantly increased in sepsis group when compared with sham (p<0,05). Mononuclear cell infiltration and erythrocyte extravasation were significantly decreased in NAC group when compared with sepsis (p<0,05). Structural changes in interstitial space were increased in both sepsis and NAC groups when compared with sham (p<0,05).Conclusion: Although the findings of this study demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect of NAC on kidneys when used during early sepsis. It was concluded that NAC as a free radical scavenger should be further studied for its potential effects on cell healing and prevention of apoptosis.Key words: Sepsis, apoptosis, caspase -3, NAC, kidney