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Black mulberry fruit extract alleviates streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats: targeting TNF-α
Tarek Kamal Abouzed1, Kadry M Sadek2, Emad Waded Ghazy3
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafr-Elsheikh University, Kafr-Elsheikh, Egypt.
Objectives:
This study was designed to investigate the effect of Morus nigra fruit extract in retarding the progression of diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.
Methods:
Diabetic male Wistar rats were injected with black mulberry fruit extract (BMFE) at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight. After 4 weeks, microalbuminuria was estimated in addition to serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, creatinine and albumin.
Key Findings:
The study revealed a significant amelioration of all the measured parameters in diabetic animals. In addition, MDA, lipid peroxide levels and catalase activity were also improved. The histopathological examination of kidney tissues revealed significant improvement of the pathological changes and glomerular sclerosis in diabetic rats treated with BMFE. Treated rats showed downregulation of TNF-α, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and fibronectin mRNA expression.
Conclusion:
The ameliorative effect of BMFE on diabetic nephropathy is not only through its potent antioxidant and hypoglycaemic effects but also through its downregulation of TNF-α, VCAM-1 and fibronectin mRNA expression in renal tissues of diabetic-treated rats. Therefore, BMFE as dietary supplement could be a promising agent in improving diabetic nephropathy.
Insights
Black mulberry fruit extract (BMFE) shows promise in treating diabetic nephropathy by improving kidney function and reducing inflammation markers. This natural supplement may help manage complications associated with diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Nephrology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of kidney failure.
- Oxidative stress and inflammation play critical roles in its progression.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to mitigate kidney damage in diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of Morus nigra fruit extract (BMFE) against diabetic nephropathy.
- To investigate the impact of BMFE on biochemical and histopathological markers of kidney damage.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying BMFE's renoprotective action.
Main Methods:
- Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats were treated with BMFE (150 and 300 mg/kg).
- Kidney function was assessed by measuring microalbuminuria, serum creatinine, and albumin.
- Oxidative stress markers (MDA, catalase) and inflammatory gene expression (TNF-α, VCAM-1, fibronectin) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- BMFE significantly improved kidney function markers and reduced hyperglycemia in diabetic rats.
- Treatment with BMFE led to decreased oxidative stress and improved antioxidant enzyme activity.
- Histopathological analysis showed reduced glomerular sclerosis, and BMFE downregulated TNF-α, VCAM-1, and fibronectin mRNA expression.
Conclusions:
- Morus nigra fruit extract (BMFE) demonstrates significant renoprotective effects in a rat model of diabetic nephropathy.
- Its benefits are attributed to potent antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- BMFE's ability to downregulate key inflammatory and fibrotic markers suggests its potential as a dietary supplement for managing diabetic kidney disease.
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