Cissus quadrangularis extract attenuates diabetic nephropathy by altering SIRT1/DNMT1 axis

Objectives Hyperglycemia-induced SIRT1, DNMT1, SODs, as well as oxidative stress, play a pivotal role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Cissus quadrangularis, holds antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity; however, a direct link between its activity and prevention of diabetic nephropathy has not been ascertained yet. Accordingly, we aimed to delineate the protective effect of ethanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis (EECQ) against high-fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ) induced diabetic nephropathy rats. Methods The control group was fed with a normal chow diet. Rats kept on an HFD for 12 weeks with a single low dose of STZ manifested the features of diabetic nephropathy.The treatment was done by the oral administration of EECQ (200 mg/kg) for six weeks (six rats in each group). Key findings Treatment with EECQ demonstrated substantial attenuation of elevated insulin resistance, lipid profile and creatinine level. Additionally, EECQ restored albuminuria, glomerular filtration rate and creatinine clearance in diabetic nephropathy rats. Furthermore, HFD consumption in rats culminated in reduced SIRT1 and enhanced DNMT1 expression, nonetheless, rescued by EECQ. Moreover, EECQ augmented the SOD 1 and 3 levels, thereby safeguarded from oxidative damage and renal inflammation. Besides, treatment protected from renal fibrosis by downregulating TGF beta, Smad2/3 and coil/3 expression in diseased rats. Conclusions Thus, based on the above findings, we conclude that EECQ shows a protective effect against diabetic nephropathy.

Automated summary

In this study, it was found that the ethanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis significantly attenuated insulin resistance, abnormal lipid metabolism, and elevated creatinine levels caused by high blood sugar, restored albuminuria, glomerular filtration rate, and creatinine clearance in diabetic nephropathy rats. Additionally, it increased levels of SOD 1 and 3 to prevent oxidative damage and renal inflammation, and protected against renal fibrosis by downregulating TGF beta, Smad2/3, and coil/3 expression.