Introduction: Among the diabetic complications, the diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the commonest reason for end-stage kidney failure all over the world, and a major indication for dialysis and transplantation. Despite the number of studies on humans and rodents of experimental DN, successful treatment isn't accessible however So, the explore for drugs to prevent the progression of DN has a high priority in biomedical research
Aim: To examine the effect of anise on a diabetic nephropathy rat model by streptozotocin and compare its effect with insulin and with their combination.
Materials and Methods: Fifty-six adult male albino rats were divided into six main groups. Group I (control), Group II: received aniseed at a dose of 500 mg/kg, Group III (diabetic): received a single IP of 50 mg/kg STZ, Group IV: diabetic rats received aniseed for eight weeks (as group II), Group V: received SC of 2U/Kg once daily of an insulin mixture for eight weeks and Group VI: received aniseed and insulin as the previous doses for eight weeks. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected and the kidney specimens were processed biochemical, histological (light and transmission electron microscopic) and immunohistochemical studies. Morphometric and statistical studies were also performed.
Results: Diabetic rats showed disturbed renal architecture involving the corpuscles and tubules, a significant increase in collagen fibers, glomerulosclerosis index, and desmin, VEGF, keratin 18immunoreaction. Administration of aniseed showed impressive improvement of histological structural changes induced by diabetes, insulin showed a mild improvement and use of these agents in combination appeared to have potential advantages especially in reducing of oxidative stress in improving DN
Conclusions: A combination of aniseed and insulin have a relevant therapeutic role in the kidney changes induced by diabetes So, they could potentially provide a possible solution for renal changes related to diabetes