Author:
Qu Zhihui,Wang Biyao,Jin Yingli,Xiao Qingfei,Zhao Ying,Zhao Danning,Yang Liming
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Shenkang injection has been used clinically to lower creatinine levels. This study explored the mechanism of Shenkang injection on protecting kidney function from hyperglycemia-mediated damage.
Methods
This study utilized a STreptoZotocin (STZ)-induced rat model of diabetes. In total, 60 rats were randomized into either the control group (n = 15) injected with vehicle or treatment group (n = 45) injected with STZ to induce hyperglycemia. Eight weeks after diabetes onset, diabetic rats were further randomized to receive different treatments for 4 consecutive weeks, including vehicle (diabetic nephropathy group, n = 15), Shenkang (n = 15), or Valsartan (n = 15). At 12 weeks, a series of urine and blood measures were examined and damage to the kidney tissue was examined using histology. Expression of nephrin and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were characterized using immunohistochemistry and Western blot.
Results
Compared to the control group, rats in the diabetic nephropathy group showed significant kidney damage demonstrated by high kidneyindex, high levels of urinary albumin, albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), blood urea nitrogen as well as histological evidence. Shenkang injection significantly improved kidney function in the diabetic rats by decreasing kidney index, ACR, and serum creatinine. Shenkang treatment also mitigated kidney damage, improved nephrin expression, and decreased TGF-β1 expression in the kidneys.
Conclusions
Shenkang treatment protected renal function in diabetic rats by increasing nephrin expression, which protects diabetic rats from hyperglycemia-mediated kidney damage.
Funder
Transverse Project “Protective effect of ShenKang injection on renal function in diabetic nephropathy rats”
the Basic Research Project of “Relationship between P27 and nephrin in the diabetic rats” from Jilin University, the International Cooperation Project
the Development Plan Project from the Science and Technology Department of Jilin Province
the Scientific Research Program of 13th Five Year Plan from the Education Department of Jilin Province
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Complementary and alternative medicine