Effect of dexmedetomidine on acute kidney injury in septic rats: the relationship with HMGB1 mRNA in renal tissues

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on acute kidney injury (AKI) and the relationship between the mechanism and expression of high mobility group protein B1 (HMGBl) mRNA in renal tissues of septic rats. Methods Fort-eight healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 8-12 weeks, weighing 240-270 g, were divided into 3 groups (n=16 each) using a random number table method: control group (C group), sepsis group (S group ) and dexmedetomidine group (D group). AKI was induced by cecal ligation and puncture.The concentrations of serum cystatin C (Cys C) were measured by immunoturbidimetry at 24 and 48 h after operation.The rats were sacrificed after blood sampling, and kidney tissues were removed for determination of the expression of HMGB1 mRNA (by fluorescent quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) and for examination of the pathological changes.The damage to the renal tubules was scored. Results Compared with group C, the renal tubular damage score and serum Cys C concentrations were significantly increased, and the expression of HMGB1 mRNA was up-regulated in S and D groups (P<0.05). Compared with group S, the renal tubular damage score and serum Cys C concentrations were significantly decreased, the expression of HMGB1 mRNA was down-regulated (P<0.05), and the pathological changes of renal tissues were significantly attenuated in group D. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can attenuate AKI in septic rats and the mechanism may be related to inhibiting the expression of HMGB1 mRNA in renal tissues. Key words: Dexmedetomidine; Sepsis; Kidney; High mobility group proteins