(+)-Catechins Play a Protective Role in Diabetic Kidney Disease by Alleviating EMT through Multiple Pathways

Abstract

Scope

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a complication of diabetes mellitus, is becoming a significant global health concern, with no complete cure currently available. Tea is regarded as an essential component of a balanced diet and contains (+)-Catechin (CE), which exert a range of pharmacological effects. Consequently, CE may be a potential treatment for DN. The objective of this study is to examine the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of CE on DN, with a particular focus on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, which plays a pivotal role in regulating DN.

Methods and results

In this study db/db mice are treated with catechins. The results demonstrate that CE reduces obesity and hyperglycemia, improves renal dysfunction and morphological changes in diabetic mice, and inhibits the development of DN through the RAGE/NF-κB signaling pathway. Among them differentially expressed messenger RNA (mRNA) results, those related to EMT, including Cav1, grem2, macrod2, and kap, are identified. To further validate the results, the same experiments are performed on HK-2 cells.

Conclusions

The research results offer novel perspectives by emphasizing the anti-inflammatory properties of CE and their potential role in mitigating DN through the regulation of EMT-related genes such as RAGE, Cav1, grem2, macrod2, and kap.