Evaluation of mitochondria dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy

Background Oxidative stress, mitochondrial stress, and autophagy are profoundly implicated in β-cell dysfunction and in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Aim The study was designed to explore the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress on one hand and their correlation to severity of diabetic nephropathy on the other hand. Material and methods This study was conducted on 40 male albino rats approximately weighing 100–150 g, which were randomly divided into two equal groups (20 rats each). Results The results revealed an increase in the body weight and in the plasma levels of glucose, urea, and creatinine in the diabetic nephropathy group I compared with the control group II. Moreover, there was a significant increase in the level of dynamin-related protein 1 and in 24-h urinary microalbumin excretion in the diabetic nephropathy group compared with the control group. On the contrary, a significant decrease in the levels of optic protein atrophy 1 and reduced glutathione levels was found in the diabetic nephropathy group compared with the control group. Conclusion The study has proved that mitochondrial dysfunction is closely related to diabetic nephropathy that is expressed in decreased optic protein atrophy 1 level and increased dynamin-related protein 1 level on one side, and also related to hyperglycemic oxidative stress evidenced by decreased glutathione level on the other side, and their correlation to the severity of diabetic nephropathy.