Licoricidin Ameliorates Renal Function via Controlling Stress and Inflammation in Experimental Diabetic Nephropathy Animal Model

Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes and its currently the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Reducing its incidence and delaying its progression are urgent medical priorities around the world. Purpose This study set out to evaluate the effects of using licoricidin (LCD) to treat diabetic nephropathy (DN) in male Wistar rats with diabetes that had been induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Materials and Methods Four sets of 24 male Wistar rats were created. The control group 1 animals in the first group were fed the standard diet. Following a single intravenous injection of STZ to induce diabetes, the remaining 18 rats were split evenly into three groups: group 2 was assigned to the diabetic control group; group 3 was given an oral dose of 20 mg/kg of LCD, while the fourth group received oral glibenclamide (GLB) at a dose of 25 mg/kg. Upon conclusion of the treatments, the body weight, blood glucose, insulin level, and kidney function markers in the experimental rats were assessed. The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress-related marker levels were assessed. The kidneys of the experimental rats underwent histological examination. Results The administration of LCD significantly increased body weight and insulin levels and subsequently decreased glucose and renal dysfunction indicators in rats with STZ-induced DN. The LCD significantly decreased inflammatory response and oxidative stress by enhancing anti-oxidant levels in rats with DN. The histological examination results corroborated the therapeutic efficacy of LCD in treating DN. Conclusion LCD treatment improves renal function by reducing inflammation and stress in animal models caused by STZ, according to the study’s findings.