Epigenetic modulation of autophagy genes linked to diabetic nephropathy by administration of isorhamnetin in Type 2 diabetes mellitus rats

To assess isorhamnetin efficacy for diabetic kidney disease in a Type 2 diabetes mellitus rat model, through investigating its effect at the epigenetic, mRNA and protein levels. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced in rats by streptozotocin and high-fat diet. Rats were treated with isorhamnetin (50 mg/kg/d) for 4 or 8 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, renal and lipid profiles were evaluated. Renal tissues were examined by light and electron microscopy. Autophagy genes ( and ) and miR-15b, miR-34a and miR-633 were assessed by qRT-PCR, and LC3A/B by immunoblotting. Isorhamnetin improved fasting blood glucose, renal and lipid profiles with increased autophagosomes in renal tissues. It suppressed miRNA regulation of autophagy genes. We propose a molecular mechanism for the isorhamnetin renoprotective effect by modulation of autophagy epigenetic regulators.