Effect of Semaglutide in an Ischemic AKI Model

Background: Semaglutide is an antidiabetic drug analogous to human GLP-1, the scarcity of data on its effects on chronic and acute cardiovascular and kidney diseases limits its use by the general public. Acute kidney injury affects approximately 49% of patients undergoing major cardiovascular surgery, in addition to a mortality rate of over 50%, which justifies the possibilities of seeking to prevent AKI. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of oral semaglutide on the renal function of rats subjected to an animal model of ischemia/reperfusion Methods: This is an experimental study with adult male Wistar rats, weighing 250-300g, planned in groups: SHAM(control, with simulated clamping of the renal pedicle); GLP-1(semaglutide, oral;3mg/day;5 days); Ischemia and Reperfusion (IR)(clamping of bilateral renal pedicles for 30 minutes, followed by reperfusion) and GLP-1+IR(semaglutide followed by IR). Renal function was assessed by inulin clearance, serum creatinine and urinary flow rate and oxidative profile was assessed by urinary peroxides FOX, lipid peroxides(TBARS) and nitric oxide(NO) Results: The I/R group showed an increase in serum creatinine and urinary NGAL, a decrease in urinary flow, and a reduction in Clin, while the GLP-1+IR group showed an increase in Clin compared to the I/R group. Furthermore, the GLP-1+IR group showed an increase in oxidative metabolites(FOX, TBARS and NO) when compared to IR. Conclusion: Semaglutide showed a renoprotective effect associated with its antioxidant role that prevented the reduction in renal function caused by ischemic AKI. Funding: Government Support – Non-U.S.