Modulation of KIM-1/TGF-β1 signaling pathway by Ocimum gratissimum leaf flavonoid-rich extracts in the kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Authors

  • Basiru Olaitan Ajiboye Phytomedicine and Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5982-2322
  • Olawale Razaq Ajuwon Redox Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3958-1685
  • Temitope Olawale Jeje Biochemical Immunology and Phytomedicine Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5469-9537
  • Olutayo Daniel Ijyemi Phytomedicine and Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria Author
  • Abigail Faith Ogunmilade Phytomedicine and Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria Author
  • Marry Abiola Okesola Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, Nigeria Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6391-8554
  • Hossein Hosseinzadeh Pharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3483-851X
  • Babatunji Emmanuel Oyinloye 1. Institute of Drug Research and Development, SE Bogoro Center, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; 2. Phytomedicine, Biochemical Toxicology and Biotechnology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Sciences,  Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; 3. Biotechnology and Structural Biology Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, South Africa Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2165-7936
  • Oluwatosin O. Ogedengbe Department of Anatomy, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1215-8521
  • Radosław Kowalski Department of Analysis and Food Quality Assessment, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3063-8710

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12923/cipms-2026-0006

Keywords:

oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokines, KIM-1, TGF-β1, renal function biomarkers, Ocimum gratissimum

Abstract

Diabetic nephropathy, one of the most prevalent complications of diabetes mellitus, is driven by hyperglycemia-induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, ultimately resulting in structural and functional renal impairment. This study evaluated the renoprotective effects of a flavonoid-rich extract derived from Ocimum gratissimum leaves in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal administration of STZ (45 mg/kg body weight) following one week of 20% (w/v) fructose supplementation. Rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 8): negative control (NC), diabetic control (DC), diabetic rats treated with low-dose (150 mg/kg) and high dose (300 mg/kg) O. gratissimum flavonoid-rich extract (LDOGFL and HDOGFL, respectively), and metformintreated diabetic rats (200 mg/kg; MET). On day 22, blood and kidney tissue was collected for assessment of redox status, inflammatory biomarkers, kidney function indices (creatinine, urea, and uric acid), electrolyte concentrations, kidney-specific acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, mRNA expression of KIM-1 and TGF-β1, and histopathological changes. Treatment with LDOGFL, HDOGFL, or MET significantly (p < 0.05) improved redox balance, reduced inflammatory cytokines, and lowered creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels compared with untreated diabetic controls. Electrolyte profiles and ACP/ALP activities increased significantly (p < 0.05), whereas mRNA expression of KIM-1 and TGF-β1 was markedly downregulated. Histopathological examination revealed enhanced epithelial cell integrity within renal convoluted tubules and glomeruli in treated groups. Collectively, these findings indicate that the flavonoid-rich extract of O. gratissimum leaves confers renoprotective benefits in diabetic nephropathy by attenuating oxidative stress, suppressing inflammation, and improving renal function.

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Published

2026-03-31

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 1 (2026): Current Issues of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Basiru Olaitan Ajiboye, Oluwatosin O. Ogedenbgbe, Babatunji Emmanuel Oyinloye, Hossein Hosseinzadeh, Marry Abiola Okesola, Abigail Faith Ogunmilade, Olutayo Daniel Ijyemi, Temitope Olawale Jeje, Olawale Razaq Ajuwon, Radosław Kowalski (Autor)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Ajiboye, B. O., Ajuwon, O. R., Jeje, T. O., Ijyemi, O. D., Ogunmilade, A. F., Okesola, M. A., Hosseinzadeh, H., Oyinloye, B. E., Ogedengbe, O. O., & Kowalski, R. (2026). Modulation of KIM-1/TGF-β1 signaling pathway by Ocimum gratissimum leaf flavonoid-rich extracts in the kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Current Issues in Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, 39(1), 34-40. https://doi.org/10.12923/cipms-2026-0006