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Therapeutic Potential of Cinnamic Acid as an SGLT2 Inhibitor in Mitigating Diabetic Nephropathy in a Rat Model of
Setah Naif Alotaibi1, Ghedeir M Alshammari1, Nawal A Albadr1
1Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
This study investigates the renal protective effects of cinnamic acid (CA) in a Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rat model induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ), with a focus on its potential as a natural hypoglycemic agent and SGLT2 inhibitor. In a randomized design, five groups of rats (n = 8) were administered different treatments for 8 weeks: Control, Control + CA (40 mg/kg), T2DM, T2DM + CA (20 mg/kg), and T2DM + CA (40 mg/kg). CA treatment (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly improved the glomerular and tubular structure in T2DM group, with normal features observed at the highest dose. In a dose-dependent manner, CA doses also reduced fasting glucose, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR in T2DM group, alongside enhanced total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Notably, renal function was significantly improved with CA treatment at both doses, as evidenced by reduced urine volume, serum BUN, creatinine, and urinary albumin. Furthermore, CA markedly reduced glomerular injury markers (NAG, A1M, F-LAP) and tubular injury biomarkers (transferrin, fibronectin, ceruloplasmin). Additionally, mRNA expression of SGLT, TLR4, and NF-kB was significantly reduced in CA-treated T2DM group. These findings suggest that CA exerts a multifaceted protective effect against renal dysfunction in T2DM by acting as an SGLT2 inhibitor.
Insights
Cinnamic acid (CA) shows promise in protecting kidneys from Type 2 diabetes complications. This natural compound acts as a hypoglycemic agent and SGLT2 inhibitor, improving renal function and reducing diabetes-related kidney damage.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major cause of chronic kidney disease.
- Diabetic nephropathy involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms including hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
- Natural compounds are being explored for their therapeutic potential in managing T2DM complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the renal protective effects of cinnamic acid (CA) in a rat model of T2DM.
- To evaluate CA's potential as a natural hypoglycemic agent and SGLT2 inhibitor.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying CA's renoprotective actions.
Main Methods:
- A T2DM rat model was established using high-fat diet and streptozotocin.
- Rats were randomized into five groups, including control and T2DM groups treated with varying doses of CA (20 and 40 mg/kg) for 8 weeks.
- Renal structure, function, injury markers, oxidative stress, and gene expression (SGLT, TLR4, NF-kB) were assessed.
Main Results:
- CA treatment significantly improved glomerular and tubular structure in T2DM rats.
- CA dose-dependently reduced fasting glucose, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, and increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC).
- CA treatment improved renal function markers, reduced urinary albumin, and decreased expression of SGLT, TLR4, and NF-kB.
Conclusions:
- Cinnamic acid demonstrates significant renoprotective effects in a T2DM rat model.
- CA acts as a natural hypoglycemic agent and exhibits SGLT2 inhibitory activity.
- CA ameliorates diabetic nephropathy by improving renal structure, function, and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
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