青蒿琥酯对UUO模型大鼠肾组织CTGF和α-SMA表达的影响

目的探讨青蒿琥酯对单侧输尿管梗阻（UUO）模型大鼠肾组织中结缔组织生长因子（CTGF）和α-平滑肌肌动蛋白（α-SMA）表达水平的的影响,初步探讨青蒿琥酯抗肾间质纤维化的作用机制。方法雄性W istar大鼠80只随机分为假手术组、UUO模型组、青蒿琥酯小剂量组、大剂量组和科素亚组,采用免疫组化半定量方法检测肾组织中CTGF和α-SM A的表达水平。结果UUO模型组和各治疗组中,术后3天肾间质即出现CTGF和α-SMA表达,术后14天表达最高;不同剂量青蒿琥酯组和科素亚组CTGF和-αSM A表达均低于UUO模型组,且大剂量组疗效优于小剂量组,而与科素亚组相似。结论青蒿琥酯可以降低肾间质中CTGF和α-SMA的表达,这可能是青蒿琥酯抗肾间质纤维化的作用机制之一。

Effects of Artesunate on the expression of CTGF and α-SMA in renal tissue of unilateral ureteral obstructed rat model

Objective To observe the expression of connective tissue growth factor （CTGF） and α-smooth muscle aetin （α-SMA） in renal tissue of rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction （UUO） treated with Artesunate, and investigate the mechanism of its antifibrotie effect on renal interstitial tissue. Methods Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 5 groups, including sham-operated group, UUO group without any treatment, UUO groups treated with low-dose of Artesunate, high-dose of Artesunate or Losartan . The expression of CTGF and α-SMA in renal tissues was examined by sere-quantitative immunohistochemistry methods. Results Except in the Sham-operated group, both CTGF and α-SMA were found in renal interstitial tissue since the 3rd day after UUO, and reached the peak levels on the 14th day. The expression of CTGF and α-SMA was higher in the UUO group without any treatment, which was suppressed in the groups with treatment. The reduction was not different between the Losartan group and the high-dose Artesunate group, whereas it was shown to be greater in the latter than in the low-dose of Artesunate group. Conclusion Artesunate decreases the expression of CTGF and α-SMA in renal interstitial tissue, which may explain one of the meehanisms of its antifibrotie effect.