Ensete superbum ameliorates renal dysfunction in experimental diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objectives: Hyperglycemia mediated oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications like nephropathy. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of ethanolic extract of Ensete superbum seeds (ESSE) on renal dysfunction and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods: Glucose, HbA1c, total protein, albumin, renal function markers (urea, uric acid and creatinine), and lipid peroxidation levels were evaluated. Renal enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were examined along with renal histopathological study.

Results: ESSE (400 mg/kg BW t) administration reduced glucose and HbA1c, and improved serum total protein and albumin in diabetic rats. ESSE in diabetic rats recorded decrement in renal function markers and renal lipid peroxidation products along with significant increment in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Renal morphological abnormalities of diabetic rats were markedly ameliorated by E. superbum.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the antioxidant effect of E. superbum could ameliorate oxidative stress and delay/prevent the progress of diabetic nephropathy in diabetes mellitus.

Keywords: Antioxidant; Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic nephropathy; Ensete superbum Nephroprotection; Streptozotocin.

Figure 1

Blood glucose levels in normal and diabetic rats. Values are expressed as mean±SD of six rats, P<0.05. ‘a’ indicates values are significantly different from Group I. ‘b’ indicates values are significantly different from Group III. Group I- Normal, Group II- Normal + ESSE, Group III- diabetic control, Group IV- diabetic +ESSE ESSE (Ensete superbum seeds extract)

Figure 2

Photomicrographs of kidney stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (10x) of control, diabetic and treated rats: Group I – Normal control; Group II – Normal + ESSE; Group III – Diabetic control- showed mesangial expansion, dilated-atrophic tubules, degenerated renal corpuscles, and mild interstitial edema; Group IV – Diabetic + ESSE (Ensete superbum seed extract).