Impact of EGCG Supplementation on the Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats: An Insight into Fibrosis and Apoptosis.

Apoptosis is an active response of cells to altered microenvironments, which is characterized by cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and DNA fragmentation, in a variety of cell types such as renal epithelial cells, endothelial cells, mesangial cells, and podocytes. Hyperglycemia is among the microenvironmental factors that may facilitate apoptosis, which plays a decisive role in the initiation of diabetic nephropathy. Transforming growth factor-β emerges as a powerful fibrogenic factor in the development of renal hypertrophy. Although, a number of potential treatment strategies exist for diabetic nephropathy, considering the ease of use and bioavailability, phytochemicals stands distinct as the preeminent option. EGCG, a green tea catechin is one such phytochemical which possesses hypoglycemic and antifibrotic activity. The present study aims to explore the potential of EGCG to prevent apoptosis in a high-fat diet and STZ induced diabetic nephropathy rats by assessing renal function, pro-fibrotic marker, and the expression of apoptotic and antiapoptotic proteins. Our results validate EGCG as a potential antiapoptotic agent evidently by improving renal function via down regulating TGF-β, consequently ameliorating diabetic nephropathy. In accordance with this, EGCG might be regarded as a prospective therapeutic candidate in modulating diabetic nephropathy, thus being a promising treatment.