# 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

## TL;DR

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce kidney damage in sepsis by boosting protective genes and reducing inflammation.

## Contribution

This study reveals a novel mechanism by which omega-3 fatty acids protect against sepsis-induced kidney injury.

## Key findings

- Omega-3 fatty acids reduced LPS-induced tubular injury and inflammation in rat kidneys.
- OMG-3 treatment restored mitochondrial and antioxidant gene expression disrupted by LPS.
- The protective effects were linked to activation of the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α/NRF2/FOXO3 signaling pathway.

## 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.