Background and Objective: Diabetic nephropathy initiates with chronic hyperglycemia and the manifestation of significant alterations in renal indices. This stage represents a critical turning point between the onset of early diabetic nephropathy symptoms and renal damages. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Launaea acanthodes aerial parts on antioxidant and renal indices in alloxan-induced diabetic male rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 32 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of eight animals each: A control group, a diabetic control group, and two treatment groups receiving the aqueous extract of Launaea acanthodes stems and leaves (100 and 300 mg/kg BW). Following a 16-hour fasting period, an experimental model of diabetes was induced in the diabetic control and treatment groups via a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg BW). Following the confirmation of experimental diabetes, the alloxan injection process was maintained every other day for 30 days. Thirty days after the induction of diabetes, the treatment process was performed intraperitoneally every other day using Launaea acanthodes extracts at concentrations of 100 and 300 mg/kg. Twelve hours after the completion of the 30th day, the animals were anesthetized, blood samples were collected via the left ventricle, and the kidney tissue was then excised. Blood plasma was separated from the blood samples, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels were measured. The Bradford assay was utilized to determine the total protein concentration. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) was assayed using a ZellBio kit, and catalase (CAT) activity was evaluated based on the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed.
Results: A significant increase in fasting blood glucose (FBG) and MDA levels, alongside a significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, GST, and CAT, was observed in the diabetic control group compared to the healthy control group (P<0.05). Dose-dependent administration of the aqueous extract at concentrations of 100 and 300 mg/kg BW led to a significant reduction in FBG and MDA levels, as well as a significant increase in antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, GST, and CAT, compared to the diabetic control group (P<0.05). Biochemical evaluations indicated a significant increase in blood urea, BUN, uric acid, and creatinine in the diabetic control group compared to the healthy control group (P<0.05). Dose-dependent administration of the extract at concentrations of 100 and 300 mg/kg BW resulted in a significant decrease in blood urea, BUN, uric acid, and creatinine (P<0.05).
Conclusion: It appears that the aqueous extract of Launaea acanthodes aerial parts dose-dependently attenuates hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and renal indicators in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.