Extract of the aerial parts of Aster koraiensis reduced development of diabetic nephropathy via anti-apoptosis of podocytes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is produced from glycolysis in vivo, which may result in diabetic nephropathy. Podocyte loss has been implicated in the development of diabetic nephropathy. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Aster koraiensis extract (AKE), on the damage of renal podocytes in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. AKE (100, 200 mg/kg per day) was given to diabetic rats for 13 weeks. Blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), proteinuria and albuminuria were examined. Kidney histopathology, AGEs accumulation, apoptosis, and expression of Bax and Bcl-2 also were examined. In 20-week-old STZ-induced diabetic rats, severe hyperglycemia was developed, and proteinuria and albuminuria were markedly increased. TUNEL-positive signals were highly detected in glomeruli of STZ-induced diabetic rats. However, AKE reduced proteinuria and albuminuria in diabetic rats. AKE prevented AGEs deposition and podocyte apoptosis. Expression of Bax and Bcl-2 protein were restored by AKE treatment in the renal cortex. These results suggested that AKE has an inhibitory effect of AGE accumulation and anti-apoptotic effect in the glomeruli of diabetic rat. AKE could be beneficial in preventing the progression of diabetic nephropathy.