Magnolol plays a protective role in the kidney of rats with diabetic nephropathy

• Published in: Current topics in nutraceuticals research Vol. 23; no. 1; pp. 8 - 13
• Main Authors: He, Meihua, Dong, Chao, Xiang, Sha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.02.2025
• ISSN: 1540-7535
• DOI: 10.37290/ctnr2641-452X.22:8-13

This study investigated the protective effects of magnolol on the kidneys of diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats via the mitogenactivated protein kinase/nuclear factor-kappa-B (MAPK/NF-κB) signaling pathway. Rats were divided into control, diabetic control, low-dose magnolol, and high-dose magnolol groups. The DN model was induced by a high-glucose/high-fat diet and streptozocin injection. The results showed that in the diabetic control group, various parameters indicative of DN worsened compared to the control group. However, in the magnolol-treated groups, there were improvements in glucose levels, urine volume, proteinuria, kidney function markers, inflammatory factors, and renal tissue morphology. Magnolol treatment also correlated with the decreased activation of extracellular regulated protein kinases, c-jun N-terminal kinase, p38 MAPK, and increased levels of the inhibitor of NF-κB, suggesting inhibition of the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings suggest that magnolol exerts a protective effect on DN rats by inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β.