The Extract ofLitsea japonicaReduced the Development of Diabetic Nephropathy via the Inhibition of Advanced Glycation End Products Accumulation in db/db Mice

Abstract

Increasing evidence indicates that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of L. japonica extract (LJE) against renal damage in the db/db mouse. LJE (100 or 250 mg/kg per day) was given to diabetic mice for 12 weeks. Body weight, blood glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and proteinuria were examined. In in vitro assay of the inhibition of AGE formation, immunohistochemical analysis of podocyte loss and AGE accumulations were performed. In 20-week-old db/db mice, severe hyperglycemia developed, and proteinuria was significantly increased. Diabetes induced markedly morphological alterations to the renal glomerular cells. AGE accumulations and podocyte loss were detected in renal glomeruli. LJE treatment significantly reduced proteinuria and AGE accumulations in diabetic mice. Moreover, the loss of nephrin, an important slit diaphragm component in the kidneys, was restored by LJE treatment. Our studies suggest that LJE might be beneficial for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. The ability of LJE to attenuate proteinuria and podocyte dysfunction may be mediated by the inhibition of AGE accumulation in the context of diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice.

Attenuation of diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by Punica granatum Linn. leaves extract

“…The formation of AGEs in renal tissue plays a crucial role in the development of diabetic nephropathy. The irreversible formation of AGEs affects proteins and lipids thus causing damage to the blood vessels and kidneys 31 . AGEs are found in almost all tissues examined from STZ-induced diabetic rats.…”

Flavonoids from Litsea japonica Inhibit AGEs Formation and Rat Lense Aldose Reductase In Vitro and Vessel Dilation in Zebrafish

“…Recently, it was reported that a crude extract from the leaves of L. japonica induced apoptosis of HL-60 leukemia cells [15] and significantly inhibited complement activity in vitro [16]. In our ongoing efforts to identify effective, naturally sourced therapeutic agents for diabetic complications, we found that an extract from L. japonica reduced the development of diabetic nephropathy via the inhibition of AGEs formation in db/db mice [17] and prevented diabetes-induced lens opacification via the inhibition of AR activity [18]. However, the active compounds underlying these effects of L. japonica remain unknown.…”

GS-E3D, a new pectin lyase-modified red ginseng extract, inhibited diabetes-related renal dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

“…Our previous studies showed that some natural herbal products derived from Polygonum cuspidatum [65], Cassiae semen [66], or Litsea japonica [67] prevented diabetes-induced renal injury via inhibition of AGE accumulation in experimental animal models of diabetes. P. ginseng has been proven effective for anti-diabetes and anti-oxidation in many model systems [68].…”