| Abstract:Objective In the study, the effect of berberine on Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) via oxidative stress was studied. Methods The DN model mice was administered with metformin (0.2g/kg), low-dose berberine (0.036 g/kg), middle-dose berberine (0.072g/kg) and high-dose berberine (0.144g/kg) for 8 weeks. After that, the fasting glucose, insulin, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, Reactive Oxidative Species (ROS), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)、Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), 24h urine protein, etc were measured. Results Berberine could significantly decrease the fasting blood glucose levels, increase the insulin production, and reduce the levels of 24 h urine protein, serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, improve SOD and Nrf2, decrease ROS, Keap1and NOX4. Conclusion Berberine has the protactive effects in DN mice via the Keap-Nrf2/ARE pathway, and middle/high-dose berberine was much better. The mechanism may be related to the alleviated of the oxidative stress. |
