Endocrine Abstracts

Diabetic nephropathy is a major complication of diabetes, characterized by programmed cell death and oxidative stress. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of flavonoids extracted from Hunteria umbellata seeds in ameliorating nephrotoxicity. Flavonoids were extracted from H. umbellata seeds and evaluated for antioxidant activity. Rats were randomly separated into 6 groups each containing six rats. The induction of diabetes in rats was by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (45 mg/kg body weight) followed by oral administration of flavonoid extract at 12.5, 25 and 50 200 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Metformin (50 mg/kg body weight) served as positive control. Biochemical parameters (apoptotic markers, lipid peroxidation indices, kidney function tests, lipid profiles) and histopathological examinations of renal tissues were analyzed. The flavonoid extract demonstrated concentration-dependent antioxidant activity and improved biochemical parameters, including reduced apoptotic markers, improved kidney functions and lipid peroxidation indices. Histopathological examination revealed preserved renal tissue structure. Flavonoid from H. umbellata seeds show promise in mitigating diabetic nephropathy by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.