Serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and proinflammatory cytokines in pigs with septic versus non-septic acute kidney injury.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to establish a composite pig model with sepsis and ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI) and to investigate the differences in serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and proinflammatory cytokines in septic and non-septic AKI.

METHODS

Seventeen healthy hybridized pigs (weighed 26.97 ± 2.26 kg) were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (n = 12) served as the septic AKI model which received cecal ligation and puncture, resulting in abdominal infection plus clamping of renal artery (CRA). Group B (n = 5) received CRA only. Vital signs and the functions of the main organs were observed. Serum NGAL, TNF-α, and IL-6 were measured at 0, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h after surgical admissions.

RESULTS

Septic AKI model was successfully induced, which manifested as multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, including AKI, liver dysfunction, progressive decline of cardiac function and abnormal pulmonary function. Apparent pathological changes were found in kidney, liver, lung and small intestine of group A. The proinflammatory cytokines in Group A were significantly higher than those in Group B at different time points (P < 0.05). In Group A, serum concentrations of TNF-α reached the peak at 8 h, while IL-6 levels dramatically increased at 24 h. There was a significant difference in serum NGAL between Group A and B at 8 h (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Septic AKI animals have higher serum NGAL compared with non-septic AKI animals. Monitoring the activities of TNF-α, NGAL and IL-6 would make great contributions in discovering sepsis and evaluating the severity of sepsis.