<p>Amelioration of diabetic nephropathy using pomegranate peel extract-stabilized gold nanoparticles: assessment of NF-&kappa;B and Nrf2 signaling system</p>

Abstract

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN), an end-stage renal disorder, has posed a menace to humankind globally, because of its complex nature and poorly understandable intricate mechanism. In recent times, functional foods as potential health benefits have been gaining attention of consumers and researchers alike. Rich in antioxidants, the peel and seed of pomegranate have previously demonstrated protection against oxidative-stress-related diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and cancer. Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the ameliorative role of pomegranate peel extract-stabilized gold nanoparticle (PPE-AuNP) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN in an experimental murine model. Methods: Following the reduction methods, AuNP was prepared using the pomegranate peel ellagitannins and characterized by particle size, physical appearance, and morphological architecture. Modulatory potential of PPE-AuNP was examined through the plethora of biochemical and high throughput techniques, flow cytometry, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence. Results: The animals treated with PPE-AuNP markedly reduced the fasting blood glucose, renal toxicity indices, and serum TC and TG in a hyperglycemic condition. As evident from an increased level of plasma insulin level, PPE-AuNP normalized the STZ-induced pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. The STZ-mediated suppression of endogenous antioxidant response was restored by the PPE-AuNP treatment, which reduced the generation of LPO as well as iROS. Furthermore, the hyperglycemia-mediated augmentation of protein glycation, followed by the NOX4/p-47 phox activation, diminished with the application of PPE-AuNP. The histological and immunohistochemical findings showed the protective efficacy of PPE-AuNP in reducing STZinduced glomerular sclerosis and renal fibrosis. In addition, it reduced proinflammatory burden through the modulation of the MAPK/NF-κB/STAT3/cytokine axis. Simultaneously, PI3K/ AKT-guided Nrf2 activation was evident upon the PPE-AuNP application, which enhanced the antioxidant response and maintained hyperglycemic homeostasis. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the use of PPE-AuNPs might act as an economic therapeutic remedy for alleviating DN.

Effects of Punica granatum peel extract and/ or Sitagliptin on induced diabetic nephropathy in adult male albino rats

“…The histopathological findings were in consistence with the study of [55][56] who found significantly reduced vacuolar degeneration of tubules of the kidney and reduction of the thickened basement membrane in diabetic rats treated with PGPE.…”

Gold nanoparticles attenuate albuminuria by inhibiting podocyte injury in a rat model of diabetic nephropathy

“…Hyperglycemia and oxidative stress are important factors in the development of diabetic microvascular complications including DN [15,16]. Recent studies have demonstrated that pomegranate peel extract-stabilized 20-nm AuNPs and 13nm naked AuNPs reduced STZ-induced renal fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress [17,18]. However, the maximized kidney targeting at the cellular (mesangium), tissue, and organ levels will be achieved via the usage of 50-nm AuNPs [19].…”

Intracellular synthesis of gold nanoparticles by Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens for delivery of peptide CopA3 and ginsenoside and anti-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages

“…Overproduction of ROS induced the phosphorylation of three MAPKs, including JNK, ERK, and p38 [48]. Manna et al [49] reported that pomegranate peel extract-stabilized GNPs reduced the pro-inflammatory burden by modulating the MAPK and NF-jB pathways. In the current study, the phosphorylated form of ERK and p38 was decreased by GNP-CK-CopA3 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.…”