CHROMIUM AND ITK FORMULATION DIMINISH ARSENIC-INDUCED KIDNEY INJURY IN OBESE TYPE-2 DIABETIC RATS

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of pre-exposure to arsenic and chromium either alone or in combination for 90 days on renal dysfunctions associated with type-2 obese diabetes. Further, an attempt was made to assess the ameliorative potential of ITK (Indian Traditional Knowledge) formulation against these disorders. Induction of diabetes in obese rats significantly (p<0.05) increased the fasting blood glucose levels which were further increased in arsenic pre-exposed animals. Significant elevation in the kidney injury biomarkers (serum BUN, serum creatinine, urinary albumin, creatinine) were also observed in these groups of animals. In addition, the mRNA expression of cystatin-3 in kidney tissues was significantly (p<0.05) increased in the arsenic pre-exposed animals. On the other hand, pre-exposure to chromium produced nephro-protective effect as evidenced by the improvement in altered biomarkers of kidney injury. Further, chromium was also found to reduce or dampen the arsenic-induced kidney injury when administered concurrently in obese diabetic rats. Oral administration of one ITK formulation also supported the nephro-protective effect of chromium and may be recommended to reduce diabetes associated complication.