Author/Authors :
Ma, Lili Runliang Diabetes Laboratory - Diabetes Research Center - Ningbo University - Ningbo, Zhejiang, PR China , Ni, Hailai Department of Prevention and Health - Changhai Hospital - Second Military Medical University - Shanghai, PR China , Zou, Xinrong Runliang Diabetes Laboratory - Diabetes Research Center - Ningbo University - Ningbo, Zhejiang, PR China , Yuan, Yanyan Runliang Diabetes Laboratory - Diabetes Research Center - Ningbo University - Ningbo, Zhejiang, PR China , Luo, Chun Runliang Diabetes Laboratory - Diabetes Research Center - Ningbo University - Ningbo, Zhejiang, PR China , Liu, Bingyang Runliang Diabetes Laboratory - Diabetes Research Center - Ningbo University - Ningbo, Zhejiang, PR China , Wang, Fuyan Runliang Diabetes Laboratory - Diabetes Research Center - Ningbo University - Ningbo, Zhejiang, PR China , Xi, Yang Runliang Diabetes Laboratory - Diabetes Research Center - Ningbo University - Ningbo, Zhejiang, PR China , Chu, Yudong Department of Nephrology - Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Eastern Hospital - Ningbo - Zhejiang, PR China , Xu, Pangjie Department of Nephrology - Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Eastern Hospital - Ningbo - Zhejiang, PR China , Qiu, Xiaohui Department of Nephrology - Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Eastern Hospital - Ningbo - Zhejiang, PR China , Li, Song Center for Pharmacogenetics - University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy - Pittsburgh - PA 15261, USA , Bu, Shizhong Runliang Diabetes Laboratory - Diabetes Research Center - Ningbo University - Ningbo, Zhejiang, PR China
Abstract :
Objective(s): It has been widely reported that Mori cortex extract (MCE) is used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in traditional medicine. The present study was designed to investigate its mechanism of action in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN). We assessed whether MCE preventive treatment ameliorates kidney damage in high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic rats.
Materials and Methods: Rats were fed a high-fat diet and injected with STZ. MCE was given to rats daily at 10 g/kg. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and postprandial plasma glucose were measured. Blood and urine biochemical parameters, renal tissue morphology, and inflammation were investigated. Results: Prevention with MCE significantly decreased FBG and homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA) of IR (HOMA-IR) levels and increased insulin levels in diabetic rats. MCE prevention significantly decreased levels of KW/BW, BUN, Cr, and 24 hr urinary protein. MCE inhibited glomerular basement membrane thickening, tubular epithelial cell hypertrophy, and glomerular capillary dilation. MCE also prevented the disappearance of bowman’s space and renal tubular lumen and decreased collagen deposition in rat kidney. Moreover, MCE reduced the levels of inflammatory factors (MCP-1 and TNF-α) and fibrosis factors (collagen IV and fibronectin). Conclusion: MCE prevents DN through inhibition of inflammation and fibrosis in a rat model. It might provide a safe and effective way to prevent DN.
