Angelicin Ameliorates Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Nephropathy via Inhibiting Renal Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic condition defined by hyperglycemia, leading to various difficulties, including diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is a serious condition of diabetes, defined by progressive kidney injury and dysfunction. Objectives: In this study, we committed to assessing the therapeutic effects of angelicin against streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetic nephropathy in rats. Materials and Methods: Diabetic nephropathy was induced in the experimental rats by injecting 65 mg/kg of STZ. The rats with diabetic nephropathy were subsequently administered angelicin and/or standard drug metformin for a duration of 10 weeks. Upon conclusion of the treatments, the body weight, food and water consumption, blood glucose, and kidney index in the experimental rats were assessed. The concentrations of kidney function markers, inflammatory cytokine concentrations, and oxidative stress-related marker levels were assessed. The kidneys of the experimental rats underwent histological examinations. Results: The administration of angelicin significantly increased body weight and subsequently decreased glucose and kidney index in rats with STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy. In addition, angelicin treatment reduced the concentrations of renal dysfunction indicators in diabetic nephropathy rats. Angelicin significantly decreased the inflammatory response and oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant levels in rats with diabetic nephropathy. The histological examination results corroborated the therapeutic efficacy of angelicin in treating diabetic nephropathy. Conclusion: The current results suggest that angelicin may effectively alleviate diabetic nephropathy induced by STZ in rats. Overall, our results highlight that angelicin may be a beneficial therapeutic option for diabetic nephropathy.