Isosteviol Sodium Attenuates High Fat/High Cholesterol-Induced Kidney Dysfunction by Inhibiting Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis

The sodium salt of isosteviol (STVNa) is a beyerane diterpene synthesized through acid hydrolysis of stevioside. STVNa improves multiple types of tissue injuries. However, it is not known how isosteviol sodium affects high-fat and high cholesterol diet (HFD)-induced kidney. Therefore, in this study we examined the potential molecular mechanism underlying STVNa mediated protective effect against high fat/high cholesterol-induced kidney dysfunction in HFD-induced kidney injury. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were allocated into six groups: the normal group, HFD group and HFD treated with three doses of STVNa, fenofibrate treatment group. The results indicated that HFD induced kidney injury evident by a 60% increase in serum creatinine (CRE) leves. In addition, there was a significant accumulation of triglycerides (approx. 60%), fatty acids (approx. 50%) and total cholesterol (approx. 2.5 fold) in the kidneys. STVNa inhibited HFD-induced kidney injury evident by reducing the increased levels of serum CRE. Specifically, STVNa attenuated HFD-induced kidney injury by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. These findings indicate that STVNa has a therapeutic potential for HFD-induced kidney dysfunction. The mechanisms of this pharmacological effect are through the inhibition of inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis.