Protective effect of TNF-α inhibitor on diabetic nephropathy in rats

Objective To explore the protective effect of TNF-α inhibitor on diabetic tubulointerstitium damage, and its related mechanism. Methods The rat model of type I diabetes was established by using STZ induction method, and the rats were divided into model group (without medication), IgG treatment group (administered with IgG 1 mg/kg, once per week, intraperitoneally, for 12 weeks), and TNF-α inhibitor group (administered with Humira (adalimumab) injection, once per week, intraperitoneally, for 12 weeks). In addition, the control group was set. Renal function indices, oxidative stress indices, inflammatory factors and NLRP3 inflammasome level were determined. Results Compared with the IgG treatment group, TNF-α inhibitor reduced urinary albumin significantly, inhibited oxidative stress, protected against glomerular and tubular injury, and also reduced expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in the glomeruli and renal tubules (P<0.05). Conclusions TNF-α inhibitor could attenuate diabetic tubulointerstitium damage probably by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome.