Protective effects of Dianthus superbus on Diabetic renal dysfunction in in vivo and in vitro models

Glomerular fibrosis is caused by accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the mesangial interstitial space resulting in fibrosis manifested by either diffuse or nodular changes. Dianthus superbus belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family and has been used in traditional medicine as a diuretic, a contraceptive, and an anti-inflammatory agent. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Dianthus superbus on glomerular fibrosis and renal dysfunction causing diabetic nephropathy in human renal mesangial cells and db/db mice. In diabetic db/db mice models, Dianthus superbus were administrated to db/db mice (n=8) to 10 or 50 mg/kg/day concentrations. The experiment was measured for 8 weeks following Dianthus superbus treatment respectively. As a result, Dianthus superbus significantly ameliorated blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and HbA1c of diabetic index. Dianthus superbus decreased albumin excretion, creatinine clearance and plasma creatinine. Dianthus superbus ameliorated kidney injury molecu...