Modulatory role of <i>Annona squamosa</i> extract against streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in male rats

Abstract

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most significant complications of diabetes mellitus. Annona squamosa has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to assess the modulatory role of A. squamosa fruit aqueous extract against DN. Forty male rats were divided into four groups: control group, A. squamosa extract (AE)-supplemented, diabetic (injected with a single dose of STZ), and diabetic + AE group. The diabetic rats treated with AE for four weeks revealed remarkable restoration in the levels of blood glucose and kidney functions disrupted by diabetes. These were manifested by significant improvement in the levels of urea, creatinine, and uric acid, as well as DN markers (β2 microglobulin, ceruloplasmin, NGAL, and plasma KIM-1). Additionally, the activity of lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDH, and HDL), oxidative stress (MDA), and kidney antioxidants (CAT, SOD, GPx, and GSH) returned to normalcy. Also, the altered histological architecture of the kidney was markedly recovered after treatment with AE. Further, AE showed a proliferative and anti-inflammatory role, as indicated by modulation of PCNA and TNF-α expression in the kidney tissues. Annona squamosa extract significantly improved diabetic nephropathy in male rats via its antidiabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.