Aqueous extract of Allium sativum L bulbs offer nephroprotection by attenuating vascular endothelial growth factor and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 expression in diabetic rats.
To investigate the nephroprotective effect of garlic and elucidate the mechanism by which it prevents the progression of diabetic nephropathy in diabetic rats, diabetes was induced by a single ip injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg body weight). Garlic extract (500 mg/kg body weight) and aminoguanidine (1 g/L) were supplemented in the treatment groups. Histopathological examination using H&E, PAS staining and the immunohistochemical analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 (ERK-1) expression were performed on kidney sections at the end of 12 weeks. Significant change in both, the urine and serum biochemistry confirmed kidney damage in diabetic animals which was further confirmed by the histological changes such as mesangial expansion, glomerular basement membrane thickening, glycosuria and proteinuria. However, the diabetic animals treated with garlic extract showed a significant change in urine and serum biochemical parameters such as albumin, urea nitrogen and creatinine compared to that of diabetic rats. Further, the garlic supplemented diabetic rats showed a significant decrease in the expression of VEGF and ERK-1 compared to diabetic rats, attenuating mesangial expansion and glomerulosclerosis. Thus, garlic extract rendered nephroprotection in diabetic rats.
Renal Research Lab, Biomedical Research Center, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore 632 014, India.
T M
TM
Shiju
R
R
Rajkumar
N G
NG
Rajesh
Pragasam
P
Viswanathan
D000490:Allium / Q000737:chemistry*; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D003404:Creatinine / Q000652:urine; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology*; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D048052:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020011:Protective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014508:Urea / Q000652:urine; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism*
D015415:Biomarkers; D001786:Blood Glucose; D003404:Creatinine; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D008055:Lipids; D048052:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3; D010936:Plant Extracts; D020011:Protective Agents; D014508:Urea; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A