Gardenin A Alleviates Diabetic Nephropathy by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Experimental Rats

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a formidable microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, considerably contributing to global morbidity and mortality due to its role as the primary factor of end-stage renal disease. Objectives: This work was focused on evaluating the therapeutic effects of gardenin A on the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats. Materials and Methods: Diabetic nephropathy was initiated in the experimental rats by administering 65 mg/kg of STZ. The rats with diabetic nephropathy were subsequently treated with gardenin A for a period of 10 weeks. Following the completion of the treatments, the body weight, glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels were evaluated. The renal dysfunction markers creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels were evaluated in the experimental rats. The concentrations of oxidative stress markers and pro-inflammatory markers were evaluated in the kidney tissues of the rats. The kidneys of the rats were subjected to histopathological analysis. Results: Gardenin treatment markedly decreased body weight, glucose, and HbA1C levels in rats with diabetic nephropathy. Moreover, gardenin A treatment decreased the levels of renal dysfunction markers in the diabetic rats. The gardenin A treatment also markedly reduced inflammatory cytokine levels and oxidative stress response by elevating antioxidant concentrations in STZ-induced rats. Additionally, the results of histological analysis confirmed the therapeutic efficacy of gardenin A against diabetic nephropathy. Conclusion: The present study suggests that gardenin A treatment may ameliorate diabetic nephropathy in STZ-induced rats. Thus, it was evident that gardenin A may have a therapeutic effect against diabetic nephropathy.