Brain death (BD) induces an organ-level inflammatory response. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the role of caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis in BD-induced kidney injury in rats. A BD model was established in Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were intravenously injected with
Z-YVAD-FMK 1 h before BD, and
sham-operated rats served as controls. After 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h of BD, renal injury, and renal expression of the
nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, caspase-11, gasdermin D (GSDMD), IL-1β, and
IL-18 were assessed using quantitative
reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Blood
urea nitrogen and serum
creatinine levels were measured. Additionally, renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) were subjected to 3 h of
hypoxia followed by 6 h of reoxygenation and incubated with
Z-YVAD-FMK before
hypoxia and reoxygenation. Caspase-11 was knocked-down using
small interfering RNA technology. Cell viability and levels of pyroptosis-associated
proteins were assessed thereafter. NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and
IL-18 expression levels were upregulated in BD rats. Treatment with
Z-YVAD-FMK reduced
mRNA and
protein levels of caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and
IL-18, improved renal function, and alleviated renal injury.
Z-YVAD-FMK efficaciously reduced pyroptosis effects in kidneys in BD rats. Thus, it could be considered as a therapeutic target for BD-induced kidney injury.