Study on the Mechanism of Kaempferol Against Diabetic Nephropathy via NLRP3/Caspase-1 Signaling Pathway

To systematically evaluate the protective effect of kaempferol (KPF) against renal injury in diabetic rats, and to explore the mechanism of KPF via the NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway. A diabetic rat model was established by high-fat diet combined with STZ induction, and the urinary levels of urinary creatinine, urinary protein and urea nitrogen were detected. HE and Masson staining were used to assess pathological changes. Western blot was used to detect the expression of NLRP3, Cleaved-Caspase1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N, and RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase1, and GSDMD. KPF significantly improved renal function, attenuated pathological changes, and reduced the levels of NLRP3, Cleaved-caspase1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N protein and mRNA expressions in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats. KPF has a protective effect against kidney injury in diabetic rats, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway.