Aim
Diabetes mellitus (DM), especially type 2, is a major health problem, and diabetic nephropathy is
the main cause of end-stage renal disease. Renal ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury is common
in diabetic patients. Recent studies reported increased vulnerability of kidneys to I/R injury in
diabetic rats. In view of the reported effi cacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 ( GLP-1) on I/R injury,
this study was designed to assess the effect of exenatide (GLP-1) on renal I/R in type 2 DM.
Materials and methods
Type 2 DM in rats was induced by administration of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), 15
min before a single dose of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). Renal I/R was performed
in both diabetic and normal rats. The protocol comprised ischemia for 30 min followed by
reperfusion for 24 h and a treatment period with exenatide 2 weeks before induction of ischemia.
Results
Renal I/R in diabetic rats induced marked renal dysfunction associated with a signifi cant
increase in malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and tumor necrosis factor α levels. Antioxidant
enzymes such as reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase were signifi cantly reduced.
Exenatide treatment signifi cantly normalized these biochemical parameters compared with
diabetic I/R rats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, exenatide protects renal I/R injury in type 2 DM. These fi ndings have major
implication in the treatment of ischemic injury that is prone to develop in DM. |