Journal of Chronic Disease Prevention and Care
Open AccessBiochemical and Histological Characterization of the Modulatory Effect of Ampk1/2 on Renal Function in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Christ Harvain KAYA KIMPOLO, Fabien Gaël MOUAMBA, Ghislain L-V, Landry Martial Miguel, Freddy Saturnin POUKI, Oldanyh Lizen MOZOMA, Childérick LEKANA, Destin MB, Bonheur Derlan R. NKOUNKOU MILANDOU, Feddercen Kelly HM, Juste Brunhel KAYA GONDO, Bleine Jurnyvel MAKELE MABIKA, Ange Antoine ABENA.
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy is one of the major microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Inactivation of the AMPK1/2 pathway, a key player in energy metabolism, is thought to contribute to the glomerular and tubular dysfunction observed in diabetes. This study aims to characterize the biochemical, histological, and molecular effects of AMPK1/2 modulation on renal function in an experimental diabetes model. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: controls, controls + dorsomorphin, diabetic rats, and diabetic rats + dorsomorphin. Diabetes was induced by alloxan (150 mg/kg), and AMPK was inhibited by dorsomorphin (25 mg/kg). Biochemical parameters (blood glucose, creatinine, urea, insulin, adiponectin) were measured, AMPK1/2 gene expression was assessed by RT-qPCR, and renal lesions were analyzed histologically. Alloxan induced severe hyperglycemia and altered renal parameters. AMPK1/2 inhibition worsened interstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis. Conversely, untreated diabetic rats showed AMPK1/2 overexpression and improved renal integrity. Correlations showed a negative association between blood glucose and AMPK expression (r = −0.74; p < 0.001). Modulation of the AMPK1/2 pathway significantly influences the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Its activation appears to confer renal protection against oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for the prevention of diabetic kidney damage.
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