Beneficial effects of agomelatine in experimental model of sepsis-related acute kidney injury

BACKGROUND: Sepsis-related acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication of sepsis. Problems persist regarding early diagnosis and treatment of AKI. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of agomelatine, which is primarily known for its positive effects on depressive and anxiety disorders in sepsis-related AKI. METHODS: Sepsis model was created with cecal ligation puncture (CLP). Rats were separated into 4 groups of 8 each: the control group, the sham-operated group, the CLP+saline group, and the CLP+agomelatine group. Agomelatine was administered intraperitoneally in doses of 20 mg/kg. RESULTS: In the agomelatine group, reductions were observed in levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), malondialdehyde (MDA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine, as well as in histological kidney scores, compared to the non-treated group. In addition, it was demonstrated that agomelatine treatment had positive effect on sepsis-induced morphological damage to renal and tubular tissues. CONCLUSION: Agomelatine showed strong efficacy in sepsis-related AKI, demonstrated with histological and biochemical results in an experimental model. It is believed that antioxidant and pro-inflammatory effects of agomelatine are responsible for the improvement in kidneys.