The effect of rose hip on experimental anti-GBM glomerulonephritis in systemic lupus erythematosus murine models

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a chronic autoimmune disease with ominous end organ manifestations significantly affecting the kidneys and joints. One of the most frequent manifestations is glomerulonephritis (GN), a renal disease distinguished by inflammation of the glomeruli that often leads to end stage kidney failure. Treatments often have severe side effects. Rose hip (RH) is derived from Rosa canina L. and has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries; it contains numerous beneficial constituents, and has the capacity to counter lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Methods: Nephritis was induced in 129/svJ strain mice using anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies (anti GBM). The experimental group was fed whole RH preparation (100mg/kg body weight per day) by oral gavage from D5 to D10; the control group was fed the diluent used to dissolve RH (10 mice per group). Mice were sacrificed on D11 and phenotyped for disease. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and proteinuria were measured; flow cytometry of kidneys was performed on both groups. Results: RH treatment decreased proteinuria, blood urea nitrogen, CD4⁺, CD8⁺, CD11b⁺Gr-1⁺ (neutrophil), and CD11b⁺CD11c⁺ (myeloid cells) compared with nephritis control. The presence of vitamin C was confirmed. RH largely maintained its total antioxidant capacity and some vitamin C content for 24 hours, as well as at least 7 days after preparation. Conclusion: Our preliminary results confirmed that RH has antioxidative properties, significant anti-inflammatory effects, and may be useful in managing glomerulonephritis.