Investigation of the effects of nicotinamide mononucleotide on kidney damage in rats with cecal ligation and perforation sepsis model

PURPOSE: To evaluate the protective effects of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a NAD+ precursor, on kidney tissue in rats with sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture model. METHODS: In this study, 28 female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four equal groups: control, sham, sepsis, and sepsis+NMN (500 mg/kg, i.p.). Kidney tissues taken 24 hours after the sepsis model were histopathologically evaluated under light microscopy for tubular damage, glomerular congestion, and inflammatory infiltration parameters. RESULTS: Histopathological examination revealed severe tubular injury, marked glomerular congestion, and dense inflammatory cell infiltration in the kidney tissues of the sepsis group. In the group treated with NMN, a significant reduction in these pathological findings was observed, while the glomerular structure and tubular architecture were preserved. Semi-quantitative histopathological scoring confirmed significantly increased renal injury in the sepsis group and significant attenuation of tissue damage following NMN treatment. CONCLUSION: The data obtained showed that NMN may play an important cytoprotective role in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury by preserving tissue architecture. More comprehensive molecular and biochemical studies are needed to fully elucidate the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of NMN.