Effect of Acacia senegal on TGF-β1 and vascular mediators in a rat model of diabetic nephropathy

Abstract

Context

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), endothelin-1 and angiotensin II are responsible for extracellular matrix accumulation within the kidney in diabetic nephropathy.

Objective

This study evaluated the effect of adding Gum Arabic (GA) and insulin on serum glucose, renal function, TGF-β1, endothelin-1, and angiotensin II in rats with diabetic nephropathy.

Methods

Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into; normal, normal plus GA, diabetic rats (DM), DM plus insulin, DM plus GA, and DM plus insulin plus GA groups. Levels of glucose and creatinine in serum, TGF-β1, angiotensin II, and endothelin-1 in renal homogenate and HbA1c were measured.

Results

Serum creatinine, TGF-β1, angiotensin II, and endothelin-1 were increased in diabetic rats. GA decreased serum glucose, TGF-β1, angiotensin II, endothelin-1, and HbA1c in diabetic rats. GA and insulin decreased serum glucose, creatinine, TGF-β1, angiotensin II, endothelin-1, and HbA1c in diabetic rats.

Conclusion

Co-administration of GA with insulin to rats with diabetic nephropathy improved the glycemic state, renal function, TGF-β1, endothelin-1, and angiotensin II.

Keywords:

• Gum Arabic
• diabetic nephropathy
• TGF-β1
• angiotensin II
• endothelin-1

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was fully supported by the Research Deanship of King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia [Grant No. R.G.P.1/203/41].