Wogonin Alleviates Streptozotocin-stimulated Diabetic Nephropathy through its Antidiabetic, Antidyslipidemic, and Antioxidative Effects in Rats

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prolonged endocrine syndrome recognized by defective metabolism of biomolecules on account of flaws in insulin resistance. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a central microvascular complication of DM with inadequate treatment alternatives. Wogonin (WOG) is a pharmacologically active flavonoid isolated from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, which exerts strong renoprotection. However, the defensive mechanism of WOG against DN is not completely illuminated. Objectives This study investigates the role of WOG in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN in high-sucrose-high-fat fed rats. Materials and Methods DM was induced in experimental rats by a solo dosage of STZ (40 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally. All rats were allocated into five sets, namely, normal, diabetic control (DC), metformin (150 mg/kg), and WOG (25 and 50 mg/kg) treated orally for 2 months. Results The antidiabetic and renoprotective effects of WOG were assessed by analyzing lipid profiles, glucose, inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress markers, renal functional parameters, gain in body weight, and histopathology of the kidney. In the current study, WOG could improve DM-induced metabolic alterations, dyslipidemia, kidney dysfunction, and inflammatory and oxidative prominence over its antidiabetic, antioxidative, antihyperlipidemic, and anti-inflammatory actions. Conclusion Thus, WOG is employed as a nephroprotective agent in DC rats.