Omega-3 Fatty Acids Attenuate LPS-Induced Acute Kidney Injury via Activation of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α/NRF2/FOXO3 Signaling and Suppression of NF-κB-Mediated Inflammation.


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Ahmet B., Halil A., Oznur K., Yusuf T. M., Sinan K., Ilter I., ...More

Nutrients, vol.18, no.4, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 18 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.3390/nu18040618
  • Journal Name: Nutrients
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Keywords: apoptosis, Heme oxygenase 1, HSP70, inflammation, Interleukin 6, omega-3 fatty acids, oxidative stress
  • Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
  • Süleyman Demirel University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) involves oxidative stress and inflammation. Omega-3 (OMG-3) fatty acids possess antioxidant properties, but their impact on the mitochondrial AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α/NRF2/FOXO3 axis in AKI remains unclear. Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into Control, LPS (5 mg/kg), LPS + OMG-3 (500 mg/kg/day), and OMG-3 groups. Renal tissues were analyzed for histopathology, immunohistochemistry (TNF-α, Caspase-3, HSP70), and gene expression (AMPK, SIRT1, PPGC-1α NRF2, FOXO3). Results: LPS caused severe tubular injury, increased TNF-α, Caspase-3, and HSP70 expression, while significantly downregulating the AMPK/SIRT1/PGPGC-1αRF2/FOXO3 signaling pathway. OMG-3 treatment alleviated histopathological damage, suppressed inflammatory and apoptotic markers, and restored the expression of mitochondrial and antioxidant genes. Conclusions: OMG-3 fatty acids protect against LPS-induced AKI by upregulating the gene expression of components in the AMPK/SIRT1/PGCPGC-1αF2/FOXO3 axis and suppressing NF-κB-driven inflammation. This dual regulation highlights OMG-3 as a potential therapeutic agent for sepsis-related renal injury.