Catalpol alleviates renal damage by improving lipid metabolism in diabetic db/db mice.

Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of catalpol against diabetic nephropathy in db/db mouse. Methods: 8 week old C57BLKS/J db/db mice (type 2 diabetic mouse model) were divided into three groups to feed for 16 weeks on chow diet with or without catalpol supplementation. Their food intake, water consumption, body weight, and fasting glucose levels were recorded every 4 weeks. At the end of study, urine and blood samples were examined for several metabolic variables, and kidneys were harvested for structural characterization and microarray analysis. Results: Catalpol efficiently lowers the fasting glucose and the 24 h urinary albumin excretion rate. Catalpol significantly lowers serum triglycerides, increases high-density lipoproteins, and improves serum creatinine and urea nitrogen. Catalpol-fed mice preserve their kidney structure and renal function better than chow fed db/db mice. Microarray data indicates that lipid metabolism is a potential target of catalpol in exerting protective effect. Conclusion: Catalpol has a renal protective effect in diabetic db/db mice.