Nephroprotective Effects of Mycophenolate Mofetil and Glibenclamide on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Renal Injury in Rats: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Diabetic renal injury is a microvascular complication associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, culminating in renal dysfunction. Conventionally, it is treated with hypoglycemic agents to address metabolic perturbations. However, the way to mitigate immunological, inflammation, and oxidative stress have seldom been studied. Hence, in the present study, the nephroprotective role of immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory drugs, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in combination with the oral hypoglycemic agent glibenclamide, on streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetic renal damage was studied. Bodyweight, fasting blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels were altered in the diabetic rats. Furthermore, renal injury was indicated by abnormal levels of urinary protein and creatinine and serum markers of renal function in diabetic rats. Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and inflammation were also observed in the diabetic rats. The combination of MMF and glibenclamide treatment significantly attenuated the abnormal effects of hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation-induced renal injury in diabetic rats. Histopathological studies confirmed the nephroprotective role of MMF and glibenclamide by reversing renal injury in diabetic rats. The present study suggests that MMF and glibenclamide have a protective role in STZ-induced diabetic renal damage.