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Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Ischemia-reperfusion Model of Acute Kidney Injury and Post Injury Fibrosis in Mice
Published on: August 9, 2013
Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide Inhibits Ferroptosis and Attenuates Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury by Activating the
Background:
This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) on sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) and its underlying mechanisms.
Methods:
A total of 32 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8 per group): the control group (control group), lipopolysaccharide treatment group (LPS group), Dl-3-n-butylphthalide group (LPS + NBP group), and ferrostatin-1 group (LPS + Fer-1 group). Renal function was assessed by measuring serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. Oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dis-mutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and glutathione (GSH), were quantified in renal tissues. Histopathological evaluation of renal injury was performed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The protein expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and western blot.
Results:
Compared with the control group, the LPS group exhibited significantly higher levels of SCr and BUN, decreased renal tissue levels of SOD, T-AOC, and GSH, as well as increased MDA levels and renal injury scores (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the LPS group exhibited significant downregulation of Nrf2, HO-1, GPX4, and SLC7A11 protein expression (p < 0.05). Compared with the LPS group, drug intervention significantly reversed the above-mentioned changes in both the LPS + NBP and LPS + Fer-1 groups (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
NBP can attenuate SA-AKI by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Insights
Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) protects against sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. This intervention improved kidney function and reduced oxidative stress in a mouse model.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is a critical condition with significant morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying SA-AKI is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) on SA-AKI.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, particularly the role of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Main Methods:
- A mouse model of SA-AKI was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
- Mice were treated with NBP or ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1).
- Renal function, oxidative stress markers, and protein expression of key pathway molecules (Nrf2, HO-1, GPX4, SLC7A11) were assessed.
Main Results:
- LPS administration significantly impaired renal function and increased oxidative stress.
- LPS treatment led to downregulation of Nrf2, HO-1, GPX4, and SLC7A11.
- NBP and Fer-1 treatments significantly reversed these detrimental effects, improving renal function and restoring marker levels.
Conclusions:
- Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) demonstrates significant protective effects against SA-AKI.
- NBP exerts its protective effects by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
- NBP represents a potential therapeutic agent for managing SA-AKI.
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Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

