The effect of propolis and honey on oxidant and antioxidant parameters and D-glucose induced hyperglycemia, acute kidney injury and proteinuria in rats

Abstract

Abstract Propolis and honey possess antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and antiproteinuric effects. The study aimed to explore the effect of propolis, honey, and their combination against D-glucose-induced hyperglycemia, acute kidney injury, liver injury, dyslipidemia, and changes in the oxidants and antioxidants in renal, hepatic, and pancreatic tissues. The chemical analysis and antioxidant content of propolis and honey were studied. The inhibitory effect of propolis and honey on alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase activity was studied. The study included five groups of rats, four groups treated with D-glucose and one group untreated. The D-glucose treated group (diabetic group) was divided into 1-4 groups. In addition to D-glucose, groups 2,3, and 4 were treated with propolis, honey, and a combination of propolis and honey respectively. Blood glucose levels, liver and renal function tests, urine protein and electrolytes, oxidant and antioxidant parameters, and histopathological changes in hepatic, renal, and pancreatic tissues were studied. Treatment with D-glucose continued for seven weeks, and with other interventions for the following 3 weeks. Propolis has a higher level of total protein and antioxidant activity than honey while honey contains higher carbohydrate levels. Honey has a higher alpha-amylase and glucosidase inhibitory activity than propolis. D-glucose caused a significant elevation of blood glucose, insulin, HOMA, blood urea, creatinine, lipid parameters, liver enzymes, and urine protein level. It significantly increases MDA and decreases antioxidant parameters in pancreatic, hepatic, and renal tissues. D-glucose caused histopathological changes in hepatic, renal, and pancreatic tissues. Propolis, honey, and their combination significantly ameliorated these changes. Propolis, honey, or their combination treated hyperglycemia, acute kidney injury, proteinuria, liver injury, and dyslipidemia, induced by D-glucose, most likely, by antioxidant activity and alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity.