Zinc Chloride Protects against Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a health problem affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Diabetic nephropathy (DN), as a significant complication of DM, has become the most common cause of endstage renal failure. Oxidative stress constitutes the key and common events in the pathogenesis of DN and antioxidants may play a beneficial role in its prevention. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Zinc Chloride on streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats compared to Gliclazide, a reference antidiabetic agent. Results showed that Zinc Chloride was able to control STZ-induced DN in rats as it normalized the elevated blood pressure, the increased insulin release, and the decreased blood glucose level. Zinc Chloride also improved kidney function as determined by the restoration of blood urea and creatinine level. Finally, Zinc Chloride was able to boost the antioxidant defenses of the kidney by increasing the reduced glutathione content and decreasing lipid peroxides content in addition to significantly decreasing kidney nitric oxide content compared to diabetic control rats. These results suggest that exposure to Zinc Chloride can protect from diabetic nephropathy and can be used as an adjuvant approach to treatment and prevention of renal damage.