Serum and Tissue HIF-2 Alpha Expression in CIN, N-Acetyl Cysteine, and Sildenafil-Treated Rat Models: An Experimental Study.

: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), is acute renal damage due to contrast agents. This study is conducted to evaluate serum and renal heterodimeric nuclear transcription factor (HIF)-2 alpha levels and its tissue expression in contrast-induced nephropathy, and in -acetyl cysteine (NAC)-and Sildenafil-treated rat models. : This randomized, controlled, interventional animal study was conducted on Wistar rats. Rats ( = 36) were randomly assigned to four groups: control ( = 9), CIN group ( = 9), CIN NAC group ( = 9), and sildenafil ( = 9). The rat model was used to form iohexol-originated CIN. During the modeling, prophylactic treatment was performed at the 24th and 48th h. After 48 h of modeling, blood, urine, and tissue samples were obtained for biochemical analyses. HIF-2-α levels were measured in renal tissue, serum, and urine samples. Renal sections were also performed for histopathologic and immunohistochemical evaluations of renal injury and HIF-2-α expression. : In the CIN model, HIF-2α levels and other biochemical parameters were significantly increased ( < 0.01). Both sildenafil and NAC efficiently decreased renal damage due to contrast agents, as shown in histopathologic examinations ( < 0.05). Similarly, after treatment with sildenafil and NAC, HIF-2α levels were significantly decreased ( < 0.05). : The current study shows that serum and tissue HIF-2α levels decrease in CIN. Besides, the levels and tissue expression of HIF-2α decrease with both NAC and sildenafil treatments. With further studies, HIF-2α can be investigated as a biomarker of CIN and can be used in the follow-up of patients with CIN.