Effects of Some Selected Flavonoids on Antioxidant Status and Kidney Function Parameters of Streptozocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is one of such diseases whose onset and progression could be potentiated by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). Diabetes mellitus if not properly managed could lead to several micro and macrovascular complications among which is diabetic nephropathy. The aim of the study is to determine the effects of some selected flavonoids on endogenous antioxidant systems of kidney and some kidney function parameters of streptozocin-induced Diabetic rats. Albino rats were acclimatized and divided into 14 groups of 6 animals each (84). Diabetes was induced in the rats using single intra peritoneal injection of streptozotocin 50 mg /kg body weight of the animals. Animals with fasting blood glucose (FBG) of 200 mg/dL or more after 48 to 78 hours of induction were considered diabetic. Three graded doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) per flavonoid samples were administered to the diabetic rats. Groups 1 - 3, 4 - 6 and 7-9 received graded doses of food grade quercetin, rutin and luteolin respectively in the order of 100, 200, and 400mg of flavonoid. Groups 10, 11, 12 were diabetic rats administered with vitamin C 1.5 mg, Vitamin E 2.31 IU and Glibenclamide 5 mg /kg body weight respectively, while groups 13 (Diabetic control) and 14 (Normal control) were administered with almond oil. After four (4) weeks of administration and sacrifice. Blood samples were collected and tissues (Kidney) were excised for the preparation of serum and homogenates. In vivo antioxidant activities of some endogenous kidney enzymatic antioxidant, glutathione and malondialdehyde were determined using the homogenate, while urea and creatinine were determined using serum. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS software 21 and Analysis of variance was performed with n=4 sample data. Among the flavonoids tested, rutin 100 mg / kg body weight improved the kidney antioxidant the most and also lowered the malondialdehyde level when compared with the diabetic control. However, rutin 400 treated group had the least serum creatinine level. Rutin and Luteolin improved kidney functionality at dose concentrations shown in serum parameters of kidney function test results. The combination of these antioxidants at the doses found effective may have synergistic action and may yield a more profound result.