Effect of propolis and honey in hyperglycemia-induced kidney and liver injuries, proteinuria, and oxidant and antioxidant parameters

BACKGROUND Propolis and honey are known for their antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and antiproteinuric effects. AIM To explore the effect of propolis, and honey, against D-glucose-induced hyperglycemia, acute kidney injury (AKI), liver injury, dyslipidemia, and changes in the oxidants and antioxidants in renal, hepatic, and pancreatic tissues. METHODS The chemical analysis and antioxidant content of propolis and honey and their effect on alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase activity were studied. The study included five groups of male rats; four groups (2, 3, 4 and 5) were treated with D-glucose, and one group was untreated, group 1. In addition to D-glucose, groups 3, 4, and 5 were treated with propolis, honey, and their combination, respectively. Blood glucose levels, liver and renal function tests, urine protein and electrolytes, oxidant and antioxidant parameters, and histopathological changes in hepatic, renal, and pancreatic tissues were examined. RESULTS Propolis contains a higher level of total protein and exhibits a higher antioxidant activity. Honey has a higher alpha-amylase and glucosidase inhibitory activity than propolis. D-glucose caused a significant elevation of blood glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment, blood urea, creatinine, lipid parameters, liver enzymes, and urine protein levels. It significantly increases malondialdehyde and decreases antioxidant parameters in pancreatic, hepatic, and renal tissues. D-glucose caused histopathological changes in hepatic, renal, and pancreatic tissues; these changes were significantly ameliorated by honey and propolis. CONCLUSION Propolis, honey, or their combination treated hyperglycemia, AKI, proteinuria, liver injury, and dyslipidemia induced by D-glucose, most likely, through their antioxidant activity and alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. This will pave the way for testing this natural combination in the prevention of diabetic complications, as a complement to basic therapies.