Protective Effect of L-Arginine on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in Albino Rat

Abstract

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the protective role of L-arginine on body weight, and absolute and relative kidney weight of Streptozotocin (STZ)-treated albino rats. Methodology: This experimental study was conducted in the department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute (BMSI), Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi, from February to March, 2010. In this study, 30 male albino rats were divided into 3 groups, containing 10 animals each. Group-A was treated as control. Group-B animals received STZ in a dose of 37 mg/kg intraperitoneally (I/P) only once at the start of experiment. Group-C received L-arginine orally in a dose of 0.3 mg/100 gram (G)body weight/day a week before STZ treatment. Body weight of animals was calculated at start and end of the study period, along with absolute and relative kidney weight and serum glucose level. Results: There was a highly significant increase in serum glucose level in group B animals when compared to the control group A. In group C, the serum glucose levels returned near to control. The final body weight of group B animals decreased significantly when compared to their initial weight, as well as when compared to control. The data also showed that there was a significant decrease in absolute kidney weight whereas, significant increase in relative kidney weight in group B animals when compared to group A animals respectively. There was significant restoration of body weight, and absolute and relative kidney weight in group C animals receiving L-arginine along with STZ. Conclusion: Our findings conclude that L-arginine as a nitric oxide donor and as an antioxidant, plays a significant role in preserving renal morphology in streptozotocin-treated hyperglycemic rats