The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of garlic (Allium sativum L.) on the diabetic nephropathy and oxidative stress induced by STZ (streptozotocin) in rats. Diabetes was induced in Male Sprague-Dawley rats by administering a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg of body weight). Administration of garlic, prepared as FGH (fresh garlic homogenate) significantly attenuated STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy as evaluated by assessment of serum glucose, insulin, total TAG (triacylglycerol), TC (total cholesterol) and Ccr (creatinine clearance) in control and STZ-induced diabetic rats. Urinary excretions of albumin and NAG (N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase) were also reduced following the treatment with FGH. In addition, significant inhibition of TBARSs (thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances) with a marked improvement of GSH content in the kidney homogenates was also observed. Moreover, renal tissue content and urinary excretion of nitrites were markedly decreased in this model, and virtually enhanced to the same levels as in the non-diabetic kidney following FGH supplementation. These data revealed that FGH has the ability to ameliorate STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy possibly through participation in the inhibition of oxidative damage to kidney and/or increased kidney nitric oxide bioavailability.

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