Dryopteris dilatata extract alleviates neuronal derangements and kidney disturbances in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy via concomitant activation of Nrf2/Bcl-2/antioxidants axis

Abstract

Background: Finding a possible therapeutic approach that could be used to manage or treat diabetes mellitus complications is consistently drawing public health attention. Meanwhile, several experimental studies have been geared toward elucidating the mechanisms underpinning diabetes and its comorbidities. This study was designed to investigate the therapeutic potential of methanol extract of Dryopteris dilatata (MEDD) in preventing neuronal derangements associated with streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in male Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats (140–170) g were used for the study. Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) followed by oral treatment of MEDD (400 and 800 mg/kg) and pioglitazone (10 mg/kg) for two weeks. Thereafter, further analyses were done. Results: The result showed that MEDD treatment positively modulates brain pro-oxidant activity (malonaldehyde and nitrite levels) and endogenous antioxidant (glutathione) and neurochemical release in the diabetic rats. The kidney pro-oxidants, endogenous antioxidants and pro-inflammatory mediators, creatinine, bilirubin, urea and electrolyte alterations and imbalances were also attenuated and regulated following MEDD treatment. Additionally, MEDD significantly upregulated the expression of Nfr2 and Bcl-2 proteins with decreased kidney injury scores in diabetic rats. Conclusion: We suggest that methanol extract of Dryopteris dilatata may be considered as a potential phytotherapeutic candidate in combating and managing diabetes and its complications.

Keywords

• Diabetes
• Nephropathy
• Neuropathy
• Dryopteris dilatata
• Transcription factor