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Updated: May 3, 2026
Assessment of Kidney Function in Mouse Models of Glomerular Disease
Published on: June 30, 2018
Protective effect of esculin on streptozotocin-induced diabetic renal damage in mice
Ki Sung Kang1, Woojung Lee, Yujung Jung
1Natural Medicine Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology , Gangneung 210-340, Korea.
Abstract:
The present study investigated the presence and mechanism of esculin-mediated renoprotection to assess its therapeutic potential. Esculin was orally administered at 20 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks to streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, and its effects were compared with those of the vehicle in normal and diabetic mice. After oral administration of esculin to mice, the concentrations of esculin and esculetin in blood were 159.5 ± 29.8 and 9.7 ± 4.9 ng/mL at 30 min, respectively. Food and water intake were significantly increased in the diabetic mice compared to normal mice but attenuated in mice receiving esculin. The elevated blood glucose level and hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase expression were significantly reduced in esculin-treated diabetic mice, supporting the antidiabetic effect of esculin. Esculin also increased the uptake of glucose and induced the insulin-evoked phosphorylation of insulin receptor, Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase 3β in C2C12 myotubes, indicating a potential for improvement of insulin sensitivity. In addition, esculin lessened the elevated blood creatinine levels in diabetic mice and ameliorated diabetes-induced renal dysfunction by reducing caspase-3 activation in the kidney. Data support the beneficial effect of esculin against diabetes and oxidative stress-related inflammatory processes in the kidney.
Insights
Esculin demonstrates renoprotective effects by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation in diabetic mice. This study highlights esculin
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder associated with significant renal complications.
- Oxidative stress and inflammation play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.
- Esculin, a coumarin glycoside, has shown potential therapeutic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the renoprotective mechanisms of esculin in a mouse model of diabetes.
- To assess the therapeutic potential of esculin for managing diabetes-related kidney dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of esculin (20 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks) to streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.
- Comparison of effects in normal and diabetic mice treated with esculin or vehicle.
- Measurement of blood glucose, creatinine, food/water intake, and assessment of molecular markers (e.g., glucose-6-phosphatase, caspase-3) in tissues and cell lines (C2C12 myotubes).
Main Results:
- Esculin treatment attenuated increased food and water intake in diabetic mice.
- Significant reduction in blood glucose levels and hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase expression observed.
- Improved insulin sensitivity in C2C12 myotubes and reduced blood creatinine levels and caspase-3 activation in the kidney.
Conclusions:
- Esculin exhibits significant antidiabetic effects, including improved glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity.
- Esculin demonstrates renoprotective properties by mitigating diabetes-induced renal dysfunction and inflammation.
- The findings support esculin's therapeutic potential for managing diabetic nephropathy and associated oxidative stress.
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