Effect of sulfasalazine on kidney damage in sepsis model induced by cecal ligation and puncture rats

Sepsis is a pathologic condition that occurs when a toxic inflammatory response damages tissues and organs. Anti-inflammatory approaches have an important place in the treatment of sepsis. The anti-inflammatory effect of sulfasalazine (SFZ) used in the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis has been shown in many in vitro and in vivo studies. In this study, the effect of SFZ on renal damage in an experimental sepsis model induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) method in rats was investigated. A total of 40 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups (Sham-control, CLP, CLP+SFZ50, CLP+SFZ250) with 10 animals in each group. The cecum was manipulated without CLP in the sham-control group. The cecum was accessed by making an incision in the midline of the abdomen of the CLP rats. After the cecum was ligated 2 cm distally, it was punctured 2 times with a 21 G needle and the fecal content was allowed to spread into the abdominal cavity. In 2 different treatment groups, two doses of SFZ (50 and 250 mg/kg) were administered after CLP. The rats were sacrificed 24 hours after CLP and blood and kidney tissue samples were collected. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cre), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-18 (IL-18), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels were determined in the serum of the animals. The damage in the kidneys of the animals was evaluated histopathologically. Serum BUN, Cre, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18, NGAL, KIM-1 levels were significantly increased in CLP group compared to sham-control group (p0,05). Histopathological damage in kidney tissue was significantly increased in CLP group compared to sham-control group (p0,05). Increased serum BUN, Cre, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18, NGAL, KIM-1 levels and histopathological damage in CLP group showed a statistically significant decrease in both groups (CLP+SFZ50, CLP+SFZ250) treated with sulfasalazine (p0,05).In this thesis study, we found that 2 different doses of SFZ (50 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg) showed protective properties by reducing inflammation and kidney damage in the experimental sepsis model induced by CLP. Key Words: Acute Kidney İnjury, Cecal Ligation and Puncture , Sepsis, Sulfasalazine