Fenugreek Prevents the Development of STZ‐Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in a Rat Model of Diabetes

Abstract

The present study aims to examine the protective effect of fenugreek and the underlying mechanism against the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic rats. A rat model of diabetes was successfully established by direct injection of STZ and then the rats were administered an interventional treatment of fenugreek. Parameters of renal function, including blood glucose, albuminuria, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), dimethyl formamide (DMF), blood urine nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), and kidney index (KI), were detected in the three groups (Con, DN, and DF). Oxidative stress was determined by the activity of antioxidase. Extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and other morphological alterations were evaluated by means of immunohistochemistry and electron microscope. Quantitive (q)PCR was employed to detect the mRNA expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and protein expression was determined with western blot analysis. DN rats in the present study demonstrated a significant renal dysfunction, ECM accumulation, pathological alteration, and oxidative stress, while the symptoms were evidently reduced by fenugreek treatment. Furthermore, the upregulation of TGF-β1 and CTGF at a transcriptional and translational level in DN rats was distinctly inhibited by fenugreek. Consequently, fenugreek prevents DN development in a STZ-induced diabetic rat model.

Impact of EGCG Supplementation on the Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats: An Insight into Fibrosis and Apoptosis

“…Increased oxidative stress leads to the upregulation of TGF-β, which is recognized as a crucial player involved in the development of glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis. , On the other hand, TGF-β itself could cause ROS production via NADH/NADPH oxidase . Jin et al stated that the STZ induced diabetic rats had an upregulation of TGF-β1 protein expression. Our results are consistent with the above findings wherein we found an increased expression of TGF-β1 in the diabetic animals.…”

“…48,49 On the other hand, TGF-β itself could cause ROS production via NADH/NADPH oxidase. 50 Jin et al 51 stated that the STZ induced diabetic rats had an upregulation of TGF-β1 protein expression. Our results are consistent with the above findings wherein we found an increased expression of TGF-β1 in the diabetic animals.…”

Natural antioxidants in the treatment and prevention of diabetic nephropathy; a potential approach that warrants clinical trials

“…It was found that extractions from fenugreek seed have antidiabetic and antioxidant effects. Fenugreek has a favorable function on peripheral glucose utilization and insulin secretagogue actions [155]. Furthermore, another study showed that fenugreek ameliorates SCr in diabetic animals [156].…”

Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Effects of Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng: (Gac) Aril Extract on Reproductive Damages in Streptozotocin (STZ)-Induced Hyperglycemia Mice

“…DM is involved in many diseases such as cardiovascular disease (de Ferrant et al, 2014), diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy (Jin et al, 2014). Moreover, it has been reported that DM affects the male reproductive system of both diabetic patients and animals induced by chemicals (Baccetti et al, 2002;Ballester et al, 2004).…”