Renal histopathological and biochemical changes following adjuvant intervention of Momordica charantia and antiretroviral therapy in diabetic rats

Objective(s): Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is an important primary cause of end-stage kidney disease. This study explores the mechanisms of the reno-protective effects of Momordica charantia (M. charantia) in diabetic rats following treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen triplavar. Materials and Methods: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=48) were divided into 7 groups (A-G).Treatment groups (B-G) had 7 animals per group and control group (Group A) had 6 animals per group. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (STZ) by intraperitoneal injection (STZ 45 mg/kg body weight). The animals were euthanized on the tenth week with kidneys removed for examination and blood obtained via cardiac puncture. Results: Key renal parameters showed no albuminuria, normal blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine and electrolytes in all groups treated with M. charantia. Untreated diabetic (Group B) and HAART treated diabetic (Group C) showed severe albuminuria, a significantly raised BUN and serum creatinine (PConclusion: M. charantia extract administration improved blood glucose levels, reinstates renal function, reduces body weight loss and restores hyperglycemia.