Effects of Yiqi Tongyang Decoction on Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction Rats

HAN Chengpeng, MA Hua, LI Rongrong, LI Junna

HAN Chengpeng1, MA Hua2, LI Rongrong1, LI Junna1

1. Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, China;

2. The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, China

Abstract: Objective To investigate the effects of Yiqi Tongyang Decoction on renal interstitial fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats and the role of TGF-β1/Smad7 signaling pathway; To explore possible the mechanism of action. Methods Totally 40 SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model group, TCM group and Western medicine group, with 10 rats in each group. Excluding the sham-operation group, UUO models were established in the others. Then the Western medicine group was given enalapril liquid 0.18 mg/mL for gavage; the TCM group was given Yiqi Tongyang Decoction concentrated liquid 1.188 g/mL for gavage; the other groups were given the same amount of normal saline for gavage once a day. After 14 days, serum was collected for detecting the levels of SCr and BUN. Then the rats were killed for taking the renal tissue and conducting HE and Masson staining. The expressions of TGF-β1 and FN protein were detected by using immunohistochemistry method. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the expressions of Smad7 protein and mRNA. Results Compared with the sham-operation group, the levels of SCr and BUN in the model group significantly increased (P<0.01), and the pathological changes were obvious, the expression of TGF-β1 and FN were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of Smad7 and its mRNA decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the levels of SCr and BUN in the TCM group and Western medicine group significantly decreased (P<0.05), the degree of tubulointerstitial injury decreased, also the expressions of TGF-β1 and FN protein significantly decreased (P<0.05), while Smad7 and