An extract of Pueraria tuberosa tubers attenuates diabetic nephropathy by upregulating matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression in the kidney of diabetic rats

Abstract

Background: Currently, no drug is available to directly target the signaling molecules involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN); only antihypertensive and antidiabetic drugs are in clinical use. In the present study, the therapeutic effects of a active fraction of tubers from Pueraria tuberosa (hereafter referred to as PTY-2) were investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats with DN, with particular emphasis on its effects on extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and matrix metalloproteinase (Mmp)-9 expression in kidney tissue. Methods: Rats were injected with 55 mg/kg, i.p., STZ. After 40 days, rats were divided into groups as follows (n = 6 per group): Group 1, age-matched rats not injected with STZ (non-diabetic control); Group 2, STZ-diabetic DN rats; and Group 3, PTY-2 (30 mg/100 g, p.o.)-treated DN rats. After 20 days treatment, the effects of PTY-2 on serum urea and creatinine concentrations, urinary levels of glucose, creatinine, protein, and ketone bodies, and urine pH were determined. Kidney tissue was evaluated for Mmp-9 expression and histological changes. Results: Blood glucose, serum urea, creatinine, and urine protein levels were significantly higher, and creatinine clearance was significantly lower, in Group 2 versus Group 1 rats. There was a higher degree of glomerulosclerosis, expansion of the mesangial matrix, and excess ECM deposition and eosinophilic casts in kidneys from Group 2 versus Group 1 rats. Furthermore, Mmp-9 activity and expression were significantly reduced in kidney homogenate of Group 2 versus Group 1 rats. Interestingly, PTY-2 treatment significantly reversed all these changes in DN rats. Conclusion: Treatment of DN rats with PTY-2 significantly attenuated the severity of DN by increasing the expression and activity of Mmp-9, consequently degrading the ECM accumulated in kidney tissue.

Pueraria tuberosaextract inhibits iNOS and IL-6 through suppression of PKC-α and NF-kB pathway in diabetes-induced nephropathy

“…The tubers of PT are rich in flavones, isoflavone and other polyphenolic compounds such as puerarin (8.31%), daidzein (1.70%), genistein (1.37%) and tuberosin. Earlier, we have reported the antioxidant and antidiabetic property of PT extract . Studies also reported its antifertility, immunomodulatory and nootropic activity .…”

“…The tubers of PT were purchased from local market of Varanasi and authenticated as described earlier. [23,29,30] In brief, the tuber of Pueraria tuberosa (Roxb. ex Willd.)…”

“…[27] But not enough reports are available regarding its effect on chronic kidney diseases such as DN. In our earlier investigation, we reported that the aqueous extract of PT plays a beneficial role in reducing the STZ-induced DN by inhibiting the accumulation of ECM via restoration of MMP-9 expression [28] and also effective in attenuating hypoxia by suppressing the expression of HIF-1a and VEGF. [29] In this study, we investigated whether PTY-2r could attenuate the renal inflammation in the kidney tissues of DN rats.…”

“…Earlier, we have reported the antioxidant [22] and antidiabetic property of PT extract. [23][24][25] Studies also reported its antifertility, [26] immunomodulatory and nootropic activity. [27] But not enough reports are available regarding its effect on chronic kidney diseases such as DN.…”

Effect of Combined Treatment of Modern and Herbal Supplement in the Management of Letrozole Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

“…The electrophoresis was run in the cold room. Finally, the separated proteins were electro-transferred from gel to PVDF membranes as described earlier [16].…”