The Effect of Dapagliflozin, a Sodium–Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitor, on Vancomycin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Background/Objectives: Vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity (VIN) remains a significant clinical challenge, with no effective nephroprotective agent currently established. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of the sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor dapagliflozin (DAPA) against VIN in a Wistar albino rat model. Methods: Rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control, VA (vancomycin), DAPA (dapagliflozin), and VA+DAPA. Renal function was assessed by measuring serum urea and creatinine. Oxidative stress markers [malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), and myeloperoxidase (MPO)], antioxidant enzyme activities [total antioxidant status (TAS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)], apoptotic mediators (Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3), and pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] were evaluated. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of kidney tissues were also performed. Results: Administration of VA led to significant renal dysfunction, increased oxidative stress, heightened apoptotic activity, and notable histopathological damage. Co-administration of DAPA with VA significantly reduced serum urea and creatinine levels and decreased caspase-3 activity and was associated with a trend toward reduction in both MDA levels and TNF-α expression, as well as the amelioration of histopathological renal injury. However, reductions in IL-1β and IL-6 levels were not statistically significant. Overall, these findings indicate that DAPA exerts nephroprotective effects against VIN by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic pathways. Conclusions: Dapagliflozin may serve as a potential protective agent against vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity. Further long-term and large-scale clinical studies are warranted to validate these preclinical findings and explore their therapeutic implications.