Apigenin ameliorates genitourinary dysfunction in a type 1 diabetic rat model via Drp1 modulation

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Nephrology
• Urology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus is associated with significant genitourinary complications.
• Mitochondrial dysfunction, particularly increased dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1) expression, is implicated in diabetic tissue damage.
• Apigenin (APG) is a natural flavonoid with potential therapeutic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of apigenin (APG) against diabetes-induced genitourinary complications in a rat model.
• To determine the impact of APG on kidney function, serum testosterone levels, and Drp1 gene expression in diabetic rats.

Main Methods:

• A streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model was established.
• Diabetic rats were treated with apigenin (APG) at 0.78 mg/kg/day for 10 days.
• Kidney function, serum testosterone, and renal/testicular Drp1 gene expression (qRT-PCR) were assessed.

Main Results:

• Apigenin (APG) treatment led to increased body weight and reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats.
• APG administration improved renal and testicular functions and normalized serum testosterone levels.
• Apigenin (APG) significantly decreased the overexpression of dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1) in the kidneys and testes of diabetic rats.

Conclusions:

• Apigenin (APG) demonstrates significant ameliorative effects against diabetes-associated genitourinary complications in rats.
• The protective mechanism of apigenin (APG) involves the suppression of dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1) overexpression.
• Apigenin (APG) represents a potential therapeutic agent for managing diabetic genitourinary complications.