Effects of Momordica balsamina on markers associated with renal dysfunction in a diet-induced prediabetic rat model

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Prediabetes is an intermediate state of progression from normoglycemia to overt type 2 diabetes. Literature suggests that managing prediabetes is beneficial in delaying the onset of diabetes. Previous studies have shown that Momordica balsamina (MB) possesses anti-hyperglycaemic effects; hence in this study, its effect on renal function in diet-induced pre-diabetes was explored. Methodology Male Sprague-Dawley rats (130-180 g) were divided into six groups of six rats per group; Normal control, Prediabetic (PD), Metformin (500 mg/kg, p.o.) treated PD without dietary intervention (DI), MB (250 mg/kg, p.o.) treated PD without DI, Metformin treated PD with DI and MB treated PD with DI. The animals were treated for 12 weeks of the last 32 weeks where fluid intake and urinary output was measured. After 12 weeks, the animals were sacrificed, plasma, urine, and kidney samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Results The untreated prediabetic (PD) rats presented with increased fluid intake and urine output; increased creatinine, urea, and uric acid plasma concentrations; sodium retention; potassium loss; increased aldosterone and kidney injury molecule (KIM-1) concentration; and increased urinary podocin mRNA concentration. However, MB administration attenuated the renal markers and oxidative stress and decreased the urinary podocin mRNA expression with or without diet intervention. Conclusion MB administration, regardless of diet modification, attenuates renal dysfunction in an experimentally induced prediabetic state. This suggests that MB has beneficial properties in the management of pre-diabetes associated kidney dysfunction.