Hydroalcoholic Extract of Zingiber officinale Improves STZ-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats by Reduction of NF-κB Activation

Zingiber officinale Roscoe, commonly known as ginger, has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-hyperglycemic properties. We assessed the effects of Z. officinale hydroalcoholic extract on the P-p65 protein level and kidney damage in the rats with diabetic nephropathy. In this experimental study 16 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups including healthy control, diabetic control given 1.5 mL/kg distilled water, and diabetic treated with 200 mg/kg/day and 400 mg/kg/day of the extract. The renal function tests were assessed by using a biochemical analyzer. The P-p65 protein level and kidney histology were assessed by western blot and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, respectively. Diabetic rats showed kidney dysfunction, as verified by increased blood glucose, blood creatinine, proteinuria, and urine 24-hour volume, accompanied by an elevation in the body weight and ratio of the kidney weight to body weight. An improvement in these abnormalities were significantly observed after treatment with the extract (P < 0.05). Moreover, histological changes of kidneys in diabetic rats treated with the extract significantly improved. In diabetic rats treated with 400 mg/kg of the extract a significant reduction in the level of P-p65 was detected (P < 0.05). Beneficial effect of Z. officinale hydroalcoholic extract in rats with diabetic nephropathy at least mediated by its anti-hyperglycemic effect that accompanied by inhibition of NF-KB signaling pathway through reduction of P-p65 protein level.