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Protective effect of C-peptide on experimentally induced diabetic nephropathy and the possible link between C-peptide

Eman A Elbassuoni1, Neven M Aziz1, Nashwa F El-Tahawy2

  • 1a Physiology Department, Minia University Faculty of Medicine, Minia 61111, Egypt.

Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism = Physiologie Appliquee, Nutrition Et Metabolisme
|January 20, 2018
PubMed

Insights

C-peptide replacement therapy effectively reverses diabetic nephropathy complications in rats. Nitric oxide (NO) partially mediates these beneficial effects, highlighting a potential therapeutic pathway for diabetic kidney disease.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Endocrinology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Diabetic nephropathy is a major microvascular complication of diabetes.
  • Factors beyond hyperglycemia, such as C-peptide, contribute to diabetic complications.
  • C-peptide's role in diabetic nephropathy and its mechanisms require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic effects of C-peptide replacement therapy on experimentally induced diabetic nephropathy.
  • To explore the role of nitric oxide (NO) as a mediator in C-peptide's protective actions.
  • To assess the impact of C-peptide on renal injury markers and oxidative stress.

Main Methods:

  • Diabetic nephropathy was induced in rats.
  • C-peptide replacement therapy was administered.
  • Nitric oxide production was modulated using NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME).
  • Renal injury markers (serum urea, creatinine), inflammatory markers (TNF-α, Angiotensin II), oxidative stress markers (MDA, total antioxidant), and NO levels were measured in renal tissue.

Main Results:

  • Diabetic induction led to islet degeneration, reduced insulin secretion, and subsequent renal complications.
  • C-peptide treatment significantly corrected metabolic and renal errors in diabetic rats.
  • Co-administration of L-NAME partially reversed the beneficial effects of C-peptide, indicating NO mediation.
  • C-peptide therapy improved renal function and reduced oxidative stress.

Conclusions:

  • C-peptide deficiency may contribute to metabolic and renal dysfunction in diabetes.
  • C-peptide replacement therapy demonstrates significant renoprotective effects in experimental diabetic nephropathy.
  • Nitric oxide partially mediates the beneficial effects of C-peptide, suggesting a therapeutic link.
Keywords:
C-peptideNitric Oxidediabetic nephropathynéphropathie diabétiqueoxyde nitriquepeptide C

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