Multitarget molecule, PTUPB, to treat diabetic nephropathy in rats

Md Abdul Hye Khan1, Sung Hee Hwang2, Scott D Barnett1

  • 1Drug Discovery Center and Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

Abstract

Insights

The dual modulator PTUPB effectively treats diabetic nephropathy, hypertension, and liver injury in type 2 diabetic rats, comparable to standard treatments, but does not lower blood glucose.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication of type 2 diabetes, leading to high morbidity and mortality.
  • Obese ZSF1 rats serve as a model for type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of PTUPB, a dual soluble epoxide hydrolase and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, in treating diabetic nephropathy.
  • To compare the effects of PTUPB with enalapril, a standard treatment, in a rat model.

Main Methods:

  • Type 2 diabetic obese ZSF1 rats were treated with PTUPB, enalapril, or vehicle for 8 weeks.
  • Measurements included blood glucose, HbA1c, kidney injury markers, inflammatory markers (MCP-1), blood pressure, and liver enzymes.
  • Renal epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, thromboxane B2, and prostaglandin E2 levels were assessed.

Main Results:

  • PTUPB and enalapril alleviated diabetic nephropathy and reduced blood pressure.
  • PTUPB preserved glomerular nephrin expression and reduced renal inflammation markers.
  • PTUPB also decreased hyperlipidemia and liver injury, while enalapril did not.

Conclusions:

  • PTUPB effectively alleviates diabetic nephropathy, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and liver injury in type 2 diabetic rats.
  • Its renal protective effects are comparable to enalapril, a current standard treatment.
  • PTUPB does not improve hyperglycemia but offers multi-organ benefits in this model.