Effect of Nitric Oxide on Diabetic Nephropathy in Experimental Animals

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a major complication of diabetes mellitus and is one of the main causes of death among diabetics human. In mammals, NO is an important cellular signaling molecule involved in many physiological and pathological processes. Humans with atherosclerosis, diabetes, or hypertension often show impaired NO pathways. NO was considered in the pathogenesis of DN, since it plays numerous physiological roles in the kidney, including control of renal and glomerular hemodynamics. Aim: Our aim is to clarify the effect of Nitric Oxide on an animal model of diabetic nephropathy. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 30 female albino rats divided into three groups: Group I (n=10) healthy female albino rats as a control group, Group II (n=10) female albino rats with induced diabetic nephropathy. Group III (n=10) female albino rats with induced diabetic nephropathy treated with NO. Serum levels of TGFβ VEGF were estimated by ELISA. Histopathology was performed to examine kidney tissue. TGFβ VEGF were detected immunohistochemically. TGFβ VEGF gene expression was detected by real time PCR. Results: There was improvement of kidney functions and pathology, decreased TGFβ expression and increased VEGF expression after administration of NO compared to diabetic nephropathy group. Conclusions: Administration of NO exerts a therapeutic effect on diabetic nephropathy.