A light microscopic investigation of the renoprotective effects of α-lipoic acid and α-tocopherol in an experimental diabetic rat model

ABSTRACT

We investigated the effects of α-lipoic acid (AL) and α-tocopherol (AT) on renal histopathology in a streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat model. Adult male rats were divided into six groups: group 1, saline only; group 2, AL only; group 3, AT only; group 4, STZ only; group 5, STZ + AL; group 6 STZ + AT. Experimental diabetes was induced by STZ. AL and AT were administered for 15 days. Kidney sections were examined using a light microscope after hematoxylin and eosin (H & E), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and caspase-3 staining. Histological damage to glomeruli, tubule epithelial cells and basement membrane was observed in group 4. Administration of AT and AL reduced renal injury in the diabetic rats. Group 5 exhibited a greater curative effect on diabetic rats than group 6. AT and AL may be useful for preventing diabetic renal damage.

KEYWORDS:

• α-lipoic acid
• α-tocopherol
• diabetes
• kidney
• rat
• streptozotocin

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Research Support Unit of Mersin University under project no. 2017-1-AP2-2208.