Beneficial Effect of 20-Hydroxyecdysone on Kidney Damage in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Gerbil

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) on redox status, inflammation and renal fibrosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic gerbil.In this study 24 gerbils were divided into 4 groups: control, diabetic gerbils induced by streptozotocin (STZ, 130 mg/kg B.W), diabetic treated with 20-hydroxyecdysone (50 mg/kg B.W) and normal gerbils received 20E (50 mg/kg B.W).Our results showed a significant decrease in plasma glucose, lipids and creatinine in diabetic group treated with 20E.We also observed a decrease in renal MDA content and an increase antioxidant activities (GSH, SOD and CAT).In addition, histomorphometric and immunhistochemical analyses revealed an improvement in renal architecture and a decrease in the percentage of collagen surface area.These results indicate that 20E has a beneficial effect on kidney damage probably through its antioxidant action.