Bridelia ferruginea Benth leaves attenuates diabetes nephropathy in STZ-induced rats via targeting NGAL/KIM-1/cystatin c gene

Abstract

Abstract Background Renal failure is among the main complications of diabetes disorders and free radical from hyperglycemia is the major cause of this nephrotic complication. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of Bridelia ferruginea Benth on nephrotic damage in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by injection of 50 mg/kg b. w. of STZ (intraperitoneal) in rats fasted overnight. Effect on nephropathy was assessed using biochemical, histological indices and gene expression of kidney tissue. Results The total flavonoids and phenolic content of petroleum ether fraction of B. ferruginea (PEFBF) was observed to be higher compared to diethyl ether fraction of B. ferruginea (DEFBF). The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl scavenging activity of the fractions were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced across the concentrations compared to the standard (gallic acid). The STZ-induced diabetic animals treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. of PEFBF and DEFBF showed significant (P < 0.05) reduction in blood glucose level on days 7, 11 and 14 compared to untreated diabetic rats. STZ-induced diabetic rats significantly (P < 0.05) exhibited increase plasma urea, creatinine, protein and albumin level while treatment with both fractions of B. ferruginea reduced the level of these parameters in treated diabetic rats. B. ferruginea also caused down-regulation of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, kidney injury molecule-1 and cystatin c genes. Conclusion These results revealed that, the plant has hypoglycemic activity therefore provides a pharmacological basis for its folkloric use in the management of hyperglycemia and its associated renal dysfunction.