Daidzein alleviates renal damage in streptozotocin induced diabetes in Sprague Dawley rats by targeting NOX-4 and RAC-1

Diabetic nephropathy is a prevalent and serious complication in patients with diabetes, resulting from long-term elevated blood sugar levels, which cause significant kidney damage. The underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress and inflammation are crucial in both the onset and progression of this condition. Daidzein, a naturally occurring isoflavone found in soybeans, has gained attention due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Nevertheless, its role in diabetic nephropathy remains to be fully understood. This research was conducted to explore the renoprotective potential of daidzein in an experimental diabetic nephropathy model. Diabetes was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats using Streptozotocin (STZ)., Daidzein was administred to the diabetic rats at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, alongside lisinopril at 10 mg/kg, orally for four weeks after four weeks of STZ injection. The 100 mg/kg dose of daidzein notably improved biochemical markers, enhanced urine creatinine and urea levels, and promoted better kidney function. Additionally, daidzein helped preserve antioxidant enzymes in the kidney tissue and reduced the expression of NOX-4 and RAC-1, as demonstrated by Western blot analysis. Histopathological studies further indicated that daidzein treatment alleviated kidney tissue damage. Overall, these findings suggest that daidzein may slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy, potentially by inhibiting NOX-4 and RAC-1, highlighting its promise as a therapeutic agent in this condition.