The comparative effects of perindopril and catechin on mesangial matrix and podocytes in the streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Background: Hyperglycemia and advanced glucose end substance (AGE) are responsible for excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which causes oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress and high blood pressure may cause injury and glomerulosclerosis in the kidney. End-stage kidney failure induced by glomerulosclerosis leads to microalbuminuria (Ma) in diabetic nephropathy. We investigated the effects of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), perindopril, and an antioxidant, catechin, on podocytes and the glomerular mesangial matrix in experimental diabetic nephropathy using ultrastructural visualization and immunohistochemical staining.