Rhabdomyolysis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious life-threatening condition. Therefore, more effective strategies are needed for its prevention. The pathophysiological process of rhabdomyolysis-associated AKI involves oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Metformin (MF) has been known to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. This study explored the possible effect of pretreatment with metformin on the development of glycerol-induced-AKI in rats.