Expression analysis of microRNAs and their target genes during experimental diabetic renal lesions in rats administered with ginsenoside Rb1 and trigonelline.

Purpose: To appraise the curative effect of ginsenoside Rb1 and trigonelline in diabetic nephropathy and to analyze the expression analysis of microRNAs and their target genes during experimental diabetic renal lesions in rats. Methods: Wistar rats were made diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of 55 mg/kg streptozotocin. According to their fasting blood glucose values and initial body weight, diabetic rats were assigned to specific groups and treated as follows: DN group (tap water, n = 10), A group (ginsenoside Rb1, 40 mg/kg, n = 10), B group (trigonelline, 20 mg/kg, n = 10) and the C group (ginsenoside Rb1 and trigonelline, 60 mg/kg, m(ginsenoside Rb1) : m (trigonelline) = 2:1, n = 10). The control group was treated with tap water (n = 10). All rats were gavaged with drugs or tap water once daily for 12 weeks. Results: Renal dysfunction, oxidative stress, and pathological alteration were significantly alleviated by a combination of ginsenoside Rb1 and trigonellin (C group). Some miRNAs were expressed differentially in Con, DN, A and C groups. Results of immunohistochemistry and western blotting showed that Wnt and β-catenin were expressed differentially in Con, DN, and C groups. Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rb1 and trigonelline could prevent the development of diabetic renal lesions by regulating the expression of miR-3550 and further associating with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling.