Hepato-Renal Protective Effects of Krill Oil and Atorvastatin in a Caecal Ligation and Puncture Model of Sepsis in Mice
Author(s): Akshay Durga Prasad M, Ramesh Srinivasan, Elaiyaraja Govindaraj, C M Jaikanth and Ramasamy Thangamalai
Abstract: Sepsis induces significant hepatic and renal dysfunction due to systemic inflammation and impaired resolution mechanisms. Effective therapies that preserve liver and kidney function are critical for improving sepsis outcomes. This study investigated the protective effects of krill oil (KO), atorvastatin (ATR), and their combination on liver and kidney injury in CLP-induced septic mice. Sepsis was induced in Swiss albino mice via cecal ligation and puncture. Treated groups received KO, ATR, or KO+ATR. Serum liver and kidney biomarkers (ALT, BUN, creatinine) were measured, and hepatic and renal tissues were examined histologically to assess cellular injury, congestion, and structural integrity. CLP-induced sepsis caused significant elevations in ALT, BUN, and creatinine, accompanied by hepatocellular swelling, vacuolation, and renal tubular degeneration with glomerular congestion. Monotherapy with KO or ATR partially attenuated these biochemical and histopathological alterations. Notably, combination therapy normalized ALT, BUN, and creatinine levels and restored near-normal hepatic and renal architecture. Improvements in biochemical parameters closely aligned with histopathological preservation, highlighting a direct link between functional recovery and tissue integrity. The findings demonstrate that KO and ATR exert protective effects on liver and kidney during sepsis, with combined therapy showing additive benefits. Restoration of biochemical homeostasis and tissue architecture suggests that these interventions mitigate sepsis-induced organ injury, likely through modulation of inflammation and enhancement of resolution pathways.
