Effects of Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) in cultured human mesangial cells in high glucose concentration: possible regulatory mechanisms in the renin-angiotensin system and oxidative stress

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the main cause of kidney disease in western countries. Approximately 40% of patients with diabetes type I and 10% of type II diabetics develop kidney failure. It has been shown that this metabolic disorder is associated with increased generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) leading to oxidative damage to target tissues, especially in heart and kidney. Recent studies have shown a close relationship between the increase in ROS generation, activation of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) and the development of diabetic nephropathy. Before the use of exogenous insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents, the use of medicinal plants was the main way to control diabetes because they are important sources of potential therapeutic substances. In preclinical testing and clinical trials, significant hypoglycemic effect of Aloe barbadensis gel (Aloe vera) was observed. However, there are no data in the literature about the role of Aloe vera on mesangial cells and the development of diabetic nephropathy so far. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Aloe vera on human mesangial cells cultured in high glucose concentration, as well as the influence of oxidative stress and the RAS on this process. (AU)