Naringenin ameliorates pathological changes in liver and kidney of diabetic mice: a preliminary study

Abstract

The effect of naringenin, a flavonoid found in grapefruit, orange, and tomato, on lipid peroxidation and histopathological changes in the liver and kidneys of alloxan-induced diabetic mice were investigated. Two days after alloxan injection (75 mg kg^-1,i.v.), naringenin ethanolic solution (0.5 % v/v) was given to mice intraperitoneally (50 mg kg^-1 per day) for seven days. Naringenin's impact on lipid peroxidation was measured by the 2-thiobarbituric acid test and histopathological changes were examined under a light microscope. Naringenin administration resulted in a significant decrease of lipid peroxidation level in liver and kidney tissue, as well as in a decreased number of vacuolated liver cells and degree of vacuolisation. Indications of tissue repair in kidney suggested that amelioration of diabetes-induced renal damage could be achieved over a longer period of time. Findings suggest that naringenin could be considered a dietary supplement in the prevention or treatment of diabetic complications and other diseases connected wih oxidative stress, and gives a hope that it could show similar effects in the treatment of diabetes in humans.