Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2
Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3
Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
4
Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
5
Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
6
Department of Medical Nanotechnology Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
7
Department of Anatomy and cell biology, Faculty of medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
10.30466/vrf.2026.2095351.5175
Abstract
Abstract
Objective(s): Diazinon (DZN) is an insecticide with a wide range of applications in developing countries, which can cause kidney toxicity through oxidative stress. Biebersteinia multifida DC (BM) is a medicinal plant native to Iran with reported antioxidant properties. This study examines the effect of BM root extract and DZN on ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) and phosphorylated- ERK (p-ERK) expression levels and the activity of oxidative stress factors in rat kidney.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 24 male rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control, DZN (40 mg/kg), BM (150 mg/kg), and DZN+BM. Treatments were administered orally once daily for 6 weeks. Kidney tissues were collected for biochemical assays, Western blot analysis, and histological evaluation. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: DZN exposure induced marked renal injury, characterized by reduced glomerular mesangial matrix, thinning of the glomerular basement membrane, decreased laminin expression, and downregulation of ERK and p-ERK proteins. Additionally, DZN altered antioxidant enzyme activities. In contrast, BM treatment improved histological parameters, restored laminin expression, and increased ERK and p-ERK levels. BM also modulated oxidative stress markers by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities and reducing oxidative imbalance.
Conclusion: Biebersteinia multifida may exert protective effects against DZN-induced renal injury through improvement of glomerular structure, modulation of ERK signaling, and attenuation of oxidative stress, suggesting its potential nephroprotective properties.
Keywords
Subjects
