Protective Effect of Crocin on Kidney Performance in Chronic Uncontrolled Hyperglycemia-Induced Nephropathy in Rat

Based on previous studies, inflammation and oxidative stress play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, we aimed to examine the protective effects of crocin, as a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, on kidney function and oxidative stress in an experimental model of diabetic nephropathy in male wistar rats.
In this experimental study, male wistar rats (190-220 g) were randomly divided into four groups (each n=6); normal, normal treatment, diabetic, diabetic treatment. The rats were made diabetic by an intravenous injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg). Treated rats received crocin intraperitoneally with a dose of 40 mg/kg/day for eight weeks. Blood samples were collected for measurement of blood glucose and creatinine levels. The Malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrate contents of kidney also were assessed.
Chronic hyperglycemia (blood glucose >400 mg/dL) significantly increased the blood creatinine of the diabetic group (4.51±0.45 mg/dL) compared with normal rats (0.72±0.09 mg/dL, P Based on the findings of the present study, it is appeared that crocin has a role in the prevention of diabetic nephropathy through inhibition of oxidative stress and reducing lipid oxidation.