Objective: This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of sgp130Fc, a selective inhibitor interleukin-6 (IL-6) trans-signaling, in mitigating sepsis-associated kidney injury (SAKI). Methods: A cohort of 60 patients was stratified into three groups: Sepsis group (n = 20), SAKI Stages I-II group (n = 20), and SAKI Stage III group (n = 20). A positive correlation was observed between acute kidney injury severity and IL-6 levels. In vivo , sepsis was induced in male C57BL/6J mice via cecal ligation and puncture. The therapeutic effects of sgp130Fc, a selective inhibitor of IL-6 trans-signaling, were investigated. Transcriptomic analysis (RNA-seq) of renal tissue from septic mice identified differentially expressed genes. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis confirmed significant enrichment of inflammation-related pathways, further validated using hypergeometric testing with an inflammation-specific gene set. Expression of downstream signaling molecules (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 STAT3, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells NF-κB, apoptosis-related proteins (B-cell lymphoma 2 Bcl-2, Bcl-2-associated X protein Bax), and renal injury biomarkers (kidney injury molecule-1 KIM-1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin NGAL) was also assessed. Results: Administration of sgp130Fc attenuated SAKI through inhibition of IL-6/sIL-6R signaling and modulation of the STAT3/NF-κB pathway. This intervention resulted in reduced release of pro-inflammatory mediators and decreased apoptosis as evidenced by downregulation of Bax, upregulation of Bcl-2, and reductions in renal injury markers KIM-1 and NGAL. Conclusion: sgp130Fc confers renoprotective effects in a murine model of sepsis by selectively targeting the IL-6 trans-signaling pathway and modulating STAT3/NF-κB signaling to inhibit inflammation and apoptosis. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of sgp130Fc in SAKI and support further clinical investigation.
Liu et al. (Mon,) studied this question.