Protective effect of thymol on high fat diet induced diabetic nephropathy in C57BL/6J mice
Settu Saravanan1, Leelevinothan Pari1
1Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abstract:
Obesity is one of several factors implicated in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Thymol, a monoterpene phenolic compound found in the oils of thyme with multiple biological properties especially antidiabetic activity. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the thymol against diabetic nephropathy by high fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetic C57BL/6J mice. After 10 weeks of continuous dietary intervention, HFD (fat- 35.2%) to mice presented characteristic features of progressive nephropathy by significant increased in kidney weight, blood, and urinary parameters, glomerulosclerosis, oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia and subsequent renal injuries. After intragastric administration of thymol (40 mg/kg BW) daily for the subsequent 5 weeks significantly decreased the blood, urinary parameters and kidney weight. Thymol inhibited the activation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Also, significantly increased the antioxidants and suppresses the lipid peroxidation markers in erythrocytes and kidney tissue compared to the diabetic mice. Thymol downregulated the expression level of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and reduced the lipid accumulation in renal. Histopathological study of kidney tissues showed that extracellular mesangial matrix expansion, glomerulosclerosis in diabetic mice were suppressed by thymol. Further, our results indicate that administration of thymol afforded remarkable protection against HFD-induced diabetic nephropathy.
Insights
Thymol, derived from thyme oil, shows promise in combating diabetic nephropathy. This study found thymol significantly reduced kidney damage and improved metabolic markers in mice with diet-induced diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Obesity is a significant risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Diabetic nephropathy is a major complication of diabetes, often exacerbated by obesity.
- Thymol, a compound in thyme oil, exhibits antidiabetic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of thymol against high-fat diet-induced diabetic nephropathy in C57BL/6J mice.
- To evaluate thymol's impact on kidney function, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism in a diabetic mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks to induce diabetes and nephropathy.
- Diabetic mice received daily intragastric administration of thymol (40 mg/kg BW) for 5 weeks.
- Kidney weight, blood and urinary parameters, oxidative stress markers, lipid profiles, and renal histopathology were assessed.
Main Results:
- HFD induced significant increases in kidney weight, blood/urinary parameters, glomerulosclerosis, oxidative stress, and hyperlipidemia.
- Thymol treatment significantly reduced these adverse parameters and kidney weight.
- Thymol inhibited TGF-β1 and VEGF activation, increased antioxidants, suppressed lipid peroxidation, and reduced renal lipid accumulation by downregulating SREBP-1c.
Conclusions:
- Thymol demonstrates significant renoprotective effects against HFD-induced diabetic nephropathy.
- Thymol mitigates renal injury by improving metabolic profiles, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting key fibrotic and angiogenic factors.
- These findings suggest thymol as a potential therapeutic agent for managing diabetic kidney disease.
