Abstract
Background: Oleuropein is a potent antioxidant and free-radical scavenger with antiinflammatory
properties.
Objectives: In the present study, we evaluated the protective effects of oleuropein on
myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, nitrite, urea, creatinine and glomerulosclerosis in
alloxan-induced type 1 diabetic rats.
Materials and Methods: Thirty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into 3
groups: group 1 as control; group 2 as untreated diabetic; and group 3 as treated with
oleuropein 15 mg/kg i.p daily. Diabetes was induced in the second and third groups by
subcutaneous alloxan injection. After 48 days, the animals were anaesthetized and then
the livers and kidneys were removed immediately and used fresh or kept frozen until MPO
activity analysis. Blood samples were also collected before sacrificing to measure nitrite,
urea, and creatinine. Kidney paraffin sections were prepared to estimate glomerular
volume, leukocyte infiltration, and glomerulosclerosis.
Results: Oleuropein significantly decreased leukocyte infiltration and glomerulosclerosis in
the treated group compared with the diabetic untreated group. Oleuropein significantly
decreased the levels of urea, nitrite, and creatinine in the treated group compared with the
diabetic untreated group. Moreover, oleuropein significantly decreased MPO activity in
the treated group compared with the diabetic untreated group.
Conclusions: Oleuropein has antioxidative and antiatherogenic activities and exerts beneficial
effects on inflammation and kidney function test and decreases diabetic complication in
diabetic rats.