Last update:
   19-Nov-2025
 

Arch Hellen Med, 43(1), January-February 2026, 42-51

ORIGINAL PAPER

Modulation of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), nitric oxide, and urinary nephrin levels
in diabetic nephropathy rats by rosmarinic acid with candesartan or losartan treatment

A. Rifai,1 N. Samsu,1 A.I. Mahendra,2 J.K. Fajar3
1Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang
2Department of Internal Medicine, Hermina Hospital, Samarinda
3Department of Internal Medicine, Rumah Sakit Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia

OBJECTIVE To assess asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), nitric oxide, and urinary nephrin levels following treatment with rosmarinic acid combined with either candesartan or losartan in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats.

METHOD A post-test-only control group study was conducted between January and October 2021. The study groups included healthy rats (placebo), untreated DN rats (streptozotocin-induced), T1 (streptozotocin+ rosmarinic acid+candesartan), and T2 (streptozotocin+rosmarinic acid+losartan). After the treatments, ADMA, nitric oxide, and urinary nephrin levels were measured. Associations were determined using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests.

RESULTS A total of 20 rats were analyzed. DN rats treated with the combination of rosmarinic acid and candesartan showed lower levels of urinary nephrin compared to untreated DN rats. However, the combination of rosmarinic acid and losartan did not significantly impact urinary nephrin levels. Additionally, we were unable to demonstrate a clear effect of the combination of rosmarinic acid with either candesartan or losartan on ADMA and nitric oxide levels.

CONCLUSIONS Rosmarinic acid combined with candesartan has a beneficial effect on reducing urinary nephrin levels in DN rats.

Key words: Angiotensin receptor blockers, Asymmetric dimethylarginine, Diabetic nephropathy, Nitric oxide, Rosmarinic acid, Urinary nephrin.

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