IMPACT OF EMPAGLIFLOZIN ON BIOCHEMICAL, INFLAMMATORY, AND OXIDATIVE STRESS MARKERS IN CONTRAST-INDUCED ACUTE KIDNEY-INJURED ALBINO RATS

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a critical clinical issue associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the renoprotective effect of empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, in non-diabetic albino rats. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups, receiving varying doses of empagliflozin and contrast media. Key biochemical markers, including serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress indicators, were analyzed. Empagliflozin significantly mitigated increases in SCr and BUN levels compared to the contrast media group, suggesting improved renal function. Although reductions in TNF-Alpha and modulations in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were observed,they were not statistically significant. These findings highlight empagliflozin's potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. The study underscores empagliflozin's promise as a therapeutic agent for CI-AKI and calls for further investigations into its molecular mechanisms and clinical applications.