Ferulic acid lipid nano capsules versus its native form in alleviating diabetic nephropathy induced in rats through TGF-β1/Hippo pathway crosstalk modulation
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Mona H Zohny1, Yousra M El-Far2, Mohamed Fawzi Kabil3
1Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, 11152, Egypt.
Abstract:
Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most common leading causes of end-stage renal disease with multifactorial pathophysiological mechanisms. TGF-β1 and Hippo pathway have been reported to have significant role in different kidney diseases. In addition, ferulic acid (FA) has been proposed to have pharmacological actions in different disorders such as Alzheimer, diabetes mellitus, kidney, and cardiovascular diseases but with limited oral use due to poor absorbance and bioavailability. So, recent trends aim to include FA in nano-formulations to improve its absorbance and bioavailability and to make best use of its pharmacological actions when administered orally. Thirty Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into five groups (n = 6). After 28 days, rats were sacrificed, serum and kidney tissue were isolated, histopathological examination, serum creatinine level and oxidative status biomarkers in kidney tissue were estimated, besides ELISA measurements of TGF-β1, PTEN, COX2, and GLUT3 and the relative gene expressions of MST1 and TEAD4 by qRT-PCR. Treated groups show improvement of the investigated parameters in variable degrees. Noteworthy, FA nano-formulation shows superior action over double of the native form.
Insights
Ferulic acid (FA) nano-formulations show improved effects on diabetic nephropathy in rats compared to the native form. This suggests potential for enhanced treatment of kidney disease through improved oral bioavailability.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Diabetic nephropathy is a major cause of end-stage renal disease.
- Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and the Hippo pathway are implicated in kidney disease.
- Ferulic acid (FA) has therapeutic potential but suffers from poor oral bioavailability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of ferulic acid nano-formulations in a rat model of diabetic nephropathy.
- To compare the therapeutic effects of nano-formulated FA with native FA.
Main Methods:
- Thirty Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into five groups.
- Rats were treated for 28 days, followed by sacrifice for serum and kidney tissue analysis.
- Assessed histopathology, serum creatinine, oxidative stress markers, protein levels (TGF-β1, PTEN, COX2, GLUT3), and gene expression (MST1, TEAD4).
Main Results:
- Ferulic acid nano-formulations demonstrated superior efficacy compared to the native form.
- Improvements were observed in various investigated parameters, including kidney function and molecular markers.
- Nano-formulation significantly enhanced the therapeutic action of ferulic acid.
Conclusions:
- Ferulic acid nano-formulations offer a promising approach to improve oral delivery and therapeutic outcomes in diabetic nephropathy.
- Nanotechnology can overcome the bioavailability limitations of ferulic acid for treating kidney diseases.
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