Effects of a novel curcumin derivative on the functions of kidney in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE: B6, an analog of curcumin, is a compound isolated from a traditional Chinese medicine Turmeric. In this paper, we aimed to explore the efficacy of B6 on diabetic nephropathy and the related mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of B6 were studied on fast-blood glucose, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, urine albumen/24 h, pathological changes of main organs, the levels of ACE2 and ACE2 mRNA in the rat model of diabetes induced by streptozotocin. RESULTS: The results showed that B6 treatment could reduce serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, urine albumen/24 h, decrease the level of AngII, improve the renal pathological changes in diabetic rats and increase the levels of ACE2 and ACE2 mRNA. CONCLUSION: These results suggested B6 could protect the renal function of diabetic rats. This study provided scientific basis for the further researches and clinical applications of B6.