Effects of Resveratrol on the Kidney in Rats with Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Nephropathy
Renal Effects of Resveratrol in Diabetic Rats
Keywords:
Resveratrol, diabetic nephropathy, proinflammatory cytokines, transmission electron microscope, renal vascular responsesAbstract
Objective: Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most significant causes of end-stage renal failure and is a common microvascular complication of diabetes. Resveratrol, a natural compound found in grape skins and red wine, has demonstrated potent antioxidant properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of resveratrol on diabetic nephropathy in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Methods: Animals were divided into four groups: control, resveratrol, diabetes, and diabetes + resveratrol. The diabetic groups received a single intraperitoneal dose of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg). After two weeks, rats with basal blood glucose levels above 250 mg/dL were considered diabetic. Resveratrol (10 mg/kg/day) was administered orally by gavage for 8 weeks. Metabolic analyses were conducted throughout the study. At the study's end, immunohistochemical analyses were performed using transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, the left kidney was isolated and suspended in an organ bath to study functional changes without damaging the renal artery. Results: The study found that increased TGF-β, fibronectin, and iNOS immunoreactivity, which are markers of kidney degeneration caused by diabetes, were partially reduced by resveratrol administration. The decreased eNOS levels observed in the diabetic state were also increased with resveratrol treatment. Moreover, in the diabetic group treated with resveratrol, both angiotensin II and phenylephrine responses were reduced. The vasodilator responses to acetylcholine were also diminished in this group.Conclusion: Resveratrol may protect against diabetic nephropathy by modulating key pathways involved in renal degeneration and vascular function and may have potential as a therapeutic agent in slowing disease progression.