LAUSR

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are linked to the regulation of sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI). However, the function of circITCH in the development of sepsis‐induced AKI is still unclear. The levels of circITCH, miR‐579‐3p and ZEB2 were examined by real‐time PCR and immunoblotting. Then, the roles of circITCH in cell viability, apoptosis, and inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated HK‐2 cells were evaluated. The further mechanism was investigated using rescue assays. CircITCH was downregulated in septic AKI patients and LPS‐triggered HK‐2 cells. CircITCH overexpression restored cell viability in LPS‐treated HK‐2 cells and restrained apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine production. CircITCH negatively regulated miR‐579‐3p, thereby upregulating ZEB2 expression. Taken together, circITCH alleviates LPS‐induced HK‐2 cell injury by regulating miR‐579‐3p/ZEB2 signal axis, which provides a theoretical basis for AKI therapy.