Modulation of renal dysfunction by Smilax cordifolia and Eryngium carlinae, and their effect on kidney proteome in obese rats

The effect of Smilax cordifolia and Eryngium carlinae decoctions on renal dysfunction in high fat and fructose (HFF) diet-fed rats was evaluated. Both herbal decoctions decreased serum uric acid, urine albumin and urea, and increased creatinine clearance, which was related to a reduced hyperglycaemia, and renal lipid accumulation and oxidative stress. Both decoctions decreased the accumulation of proteins related to the onset of glomeruloesclerosis (ICAM-1, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, leptin, MCP-1, and RAGE) and tubular fibrosis (ICAM-1, RAGE, and VEGF), as well as proliferation and apoptosis (FASLG, ICAM-1, IL-1β, MCP-1, and VEGF), and E. carlinae showed the greatest effect. Regarding the phytochemical profile, S. cordifolia was rich in rosmarinic acid, hesperidin, and β-sitosterol, whereas E. carlinae showed a high content of ellagic acid, epicatechin, and Δ7-stigmasterol. These results suggest that S. cordifolia and E. carlinae could be used as ingredients for the elaboration of functional beverages with renoprotective effects.