Effects of rutin on renal function, oxidative stress and fibrosis in animal models of diabetic nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a major microvascular complication of diabetes and a leading cause of end-stage renal disease, while effective disease-modifying therapies remain limited. Rutin, a naturally occurring flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has shown renoprotective effects in experimental diabetic nephropathy; however, its overall efficacy has not been quantitatively synthesized. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the preclinical effects of rutin in animal models of diabetic nephropathy.
Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical animal studies was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and prospectively registered in INPLASY (INPLASY2025110085). Six English and Chinese databases, including PubMed and Web of Science, were searched from inception to November 2025. Studies assessing rutin monotherapy in diabetic nephropathy models were included. Primary outcomes were serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and 24-h urinary protein. Secondary outcomes included blood glucose, lipid parameters, oxidative stress markers, and fibrosis-related indicators. Risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE's tool, and pooled effect sizes were calculated using standardized mean differences with Stata 17.0.
Results: Thirteen studies involving 318 animals met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed that rutin significantly reduced serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and 24-h urinary protein levels, indicating improved renal…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in animal, not in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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