Protective activity profile of herbomineral medicine in early diabetic nephropathy rats: Restoration of kidney antioxidants, hemodynamics and suppression of proinflammatory mediators

Nephroprotective role of nanoencapsulated Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) using polylactic acid nanoparticles in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy rats

Currently, the field of nanomedicine, which uses active compounds from medicinal plants, has emerged as a therapy for diabetic nephropathy. From this study, the renoprotective effect of TC-loaded PLA Nanoparticles (TC-PLA NPs) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy rats was investigated. The results showed that the nephroprotective effect of TC-PLA NPs reduces the blood glucose level, regulates the renal parameters, decreases the cytokine levels and reduces the mRNA expressions level of different genes related to diabetic nephropathy.

The safety profile of new antidiabetic xanthine derivatives and their chitosan based formulations

The safety profile of new antidiabetic xanthine derivatives with thiazolidine‑4‑one scaffold (6, 7) and their new chitosan based formulations (CS-6, CS-7), administrated to diabetic rats, have been evaluated in terms of biochemical markers of liver and kidney function as well as of hematological markers. The effect on lipid profile and clinic parameters (body weight, food and water intake) has been also evaluated. The treatment of diabetic rats with xanthine derivatives (6, 7) and chitosan based formulations (CS-6, CS-7) was associated with lower liver enzymes (AST, ALT, LDH) and bilirubin (direct, total) values compared to the non-treated diabetic rats, that means the tested derivatives/formulations have improved the liver function injured in diabetes mellitus conditions. Also the kidney biochemical markers (creatinine, uric acid, urea) were significantly decreased in diabetic rats treated with 6, 7 and chitosan microparticles (CS-6, CS-7). The values of biochemical markers of liver and kidney functions were even better than the values recorded for pioglitazone, used as standard antidiabetic drug. The improving effect on kidney function was proved by the histopathological study. Moreover, the xanthine derivatives and their chitosan based formulation were associated with improved hematological markers compared to the non-treated diabetic rats which mean the improving of the hemorheological state. These results support the safety profile of new xanthine derivatives with thiazolidine‑4‑one scaffold (6, 7) and their new chitosan based formulations (CS-6, CS-7) and their potential applications for the treatment of diabetes mellitus syndrome.

Effect of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) leaf extract on diabetic nephropathy in rats

Diabetic nephropathy is a clinical syndrome characterized by albuminuria, hypertension and progressive renal insufficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) leaf extract on diabetic nephropathy in rats. Streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats were orally treated with three doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) of strawberry leaf extract for 30 days. Nephropathy biomarkers in plasma and kidney were examined at the end of the experiment. The three doses of strawberry leaf extract significantly decreased the levels of blood glucose, urea nitrogen, plasma creatinine, kidney injury molecule (Kim)-1, renal malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)- 6 and caspase-3 in diabetic rats. Meanwhile, the levels of plasma insulin, albumin, uric acid, renal catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) were significantly elevated in diabetic rats treated with strawberry leaf extract. These results indicate the role of strawberry leaves extract as anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy.

Aqueous Extract of Phyllanthus niruri Leaves Displays In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Prevents the Elevation of Oxidative Stress in the Kidney of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats

P. niruri has been reported to possess antidiabetic and kidney protective effects. In the present study, the phytochemical constituents and in vitro antioxidant activity of P. niruri leaf aqueous extract were investigated together with its effect on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes levels in diabetic rat kidney. Results. Treatment of diabetic male rats with P. niruri leaf aqueous extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) for 28 consecutive days prevents the increase in the amount of lipid peroxidation (LPO) product, malondialdehyde (MDA), and the diminution of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity levels in the kidney of diabetic rats. The amount of LPO showed strong negative correlation with SOD, CAT, and GPx activity levels. P. niruri leaf aqueous extract exhibits in vitro antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ slightly lower than ascorbic acid. Phytochemical screening of plant extract indicates the presence of polyphenols. Conclusion. P. niruri leaf extract protects the kidney from oxidative stress induced by diabetes.