Baicalin and chrysin mixture imparts cyto-protection against methylglyoxal induced cytotoxicity and diabetic tubular injury by modulating RAGE, oxidative stress and inflammation

•Methylglyoxal caused ROS induced mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis in NRK 52E cells.•Baicalin & chrysin co-treatment accorded cytoprotection against methylglyoxal induced stress.•Renal protection during experimental diabetes was observed by mixture of baicalin and chrysin.

Protective effect of mixture of flavonoids baicalin and chrysin (BCH) was studied against methylglyoxal (MG, a precursor of AGEs) induced cytotoxicity in NRK 52E kidney epithelial cells. Flow cytometry and microscopic analysis showed increased ROS generation, compromised antioxidant status, depolarization of mitochondria and apoptosis in MG stressed cells which were significantly transformed (p ≤ 0.01) during BCH co-treatment. In vivo studies in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats increased protein levels of iNOS, protein kinase C (PKC) and decreased IκB which was modulated by oral BCH treatment (75 mg baicalin and 10 mg chrysin/kg b.wt.). Increased levels of AGEs and their receptor proteins (RAGE) in diabetic rats were reduced significantly (p ≤ 0.01) in BCH treated group. Renal tubular injuries and deranged kidney function were significantly improved in BCH treated animals. The results indicate that the protection accorded by BCH through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects can be explored for management of diabetic nephropathy.

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