Evaluation of effect of montelukast in the model of streptozotocin induced diabetic nephropathy in rats

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a progressive condition and a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Oxidative stress and inflammation play an important role in its pathogenesis. In pre-clinical studies, Montelukast had shown renoprotective and anti-oxidant properties, hence the study was planned to evaluate the effect of Montelukast in a Streptozotocin (STZ) induced model of diabetic nephropathy. Methods: 40 Wistar rats of either sex were randomly divided into four groups viz. 1. Vehicle control group, 2. Enalapril (5 mg/kg), 3. Montelukast low-dose (10 mg/kg) and 4. High-dose (20 mg/kg) group. On day 1, diabetes was induced using a single dose of STZ (60 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Diabetes induction was verified based on fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels on day 7 and from day 8 to day 42, rats were given study drugs. FBG, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and urine microalbumin levels were assessed pre-study and post-study. Assessments of kidney malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and renal histopathology were carried out at the end of the study. Results: Montelukast 10 mg/kg group showed significantly lower urine microalbumin levels compared to the vehicle control group (p < 0.05). Montelukast 20 mg/kg group showed significantly lower levels of FBG, serum creatinine, BUN and urine microalbumin compared to the vehicle control group (p < 0.05). In addition, Montelukast 20 mg/kg group also showed better effects on kidney MDA and GSH levels (p < 0.05) and histopathological scores compared to the vehicle control group. Conclusion: Montelukast showed a protective effect in the model of diabetic nephropathy because of its antioxidant effect.