Role of Oxidative Stress and Reduced Endogenous Hydrogen Sulfide in Diabetic Nephropathy

PURPOSE: S and captopril, a -SH containing compound in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: S levels, renal hemodynamics and oxidative stress markers were analyzed at 0, 14 and 28 days followed by histopathological analysis of renal tissues. RESULTS: S levels, body weight, sodium to potassium ratio, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant assay (T-AOC) with malondialdehyde (MDA) and blood glucose levels significantly increased among diabetic rats. Treatment with captopril, NaHS, metformin, spironolactone and vitamin C showed significant improvement among renal hemodynamics and oxidative stress markers, respectively. But treatment groups like NaHS in combination with captopril and metformin showed more pronounced effects. CONCLUSION: S mediated protective effects on STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy may be associated with reduced oxidative stress via augmenting the antioxidant effect.