Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a prevalent and debilitating complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by progressive renal dysfunction and inflammation. In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring the impact of ergosterol, a sterol found in fungi, on various physiological processes. However, its influence on diabetic nephropathy remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ergosterol on renal inflammatory reactions in a mouse model of diabetic nephropathy. Male C57BL/6 mice were induced to develop diabetes through streptozotocin administration and subsequently divided into two groups: one receiving ergosterol supplementation and the other serving as a control. Renal function, histopathological changes, and inflammatory markers were assessed after six weeks of treatment. Our findings reveal that ergosterol supplementation exacerbates renal inflammatory responses in diabetic mice. This is evidenced by increased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, including tumor necrosis factoralpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), as well as enhanced infiltration of inflammatory cells in the renal tissue. Furthermore, ergosterol-treated diabetic mice exhibited elevated levels of oxidative stress markers, suggesting a potential link between ergosterol and oxidative stress in the context of diabetic nephropathy. Contrary to expectations, ergosterol did not show any significant improvement in renal function or amelioration of diabetic nephropathyassociated histopathological changes. Instead, our results raise concerns about the potential adverse effects of ergosterol supplementation in the context of diabetic nephropathy. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the previously unexplored role of ergosterol in diabetic nephropathy, emphasizing the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and evaluate the safety of ergosterol supplementation in diabetic individuals. Understanding the impact of ergosterol on renal inflammatory responses may contribute to the development of targeted therapeutic interventions for diabetic nephropathy.
