美沙拉嗪对单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾间质NF-κB和TGF-β1表达的影响

目的 观察单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠模型肾间质核因子κB (NF-κB)、转化生长因子β1 (TGF-β1)的表达变化,探讨美沙拉嗪干预后对其表达的影响.方法 将30只雌性SD大鼠随机分为假手术组(SOR组)、模型组(UUO组)、美沙拉嗪治疗组(MES组),每组10只.建立单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠模型72 h后灌胃给药:MES组给予美沙拉嗪(200 mg·kg-1 ·d-1)灌胃给药;SOR组、UUO组给予等量生理盐水灌胃给药.建模成功后第10天检测各组血肌酐、尿素氮,并取梗阻侧肾组织,行HE及Masson染色观察肾脏病理变化;免疫组织化学检测NF-κB p65和TGF-β1在肾间质的表达和变化.结果 ①UUO组术后第10天梗阻侧肾脏肾小管间质损害指数明显高于SOR组(P＜0.01),MES组则低于UUO组(P＜0.05).②UUO组大鼠肾间质NF-κB p65及TGF-β1表达增加,明显高于SOR组(P＜0.01),MES组则低于UUO组(P＜0.05).结论 单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠模型肾脏存在肾小管间质的炎症损伤和纤维化,美沙拉嗪通过抑制NF-κB p65和TGF-β1表达而减轻肾间质炎性损害和纤维化.     

和解聚散方对UUO模型大鼠肾组织NF-κB表达的影响

目的:研究和解聚散方对单侧输尿管结扎(UUO)大鼠的肾组织中核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)表达情况的影响,初步探讨其抗肾间质纤维化的作用机制。方法:采用单侧输尿管结扎致肾间质纤维化大鼠模型,将雄性SD大鼠120只随机分为4组:假手术组,模型组,洛丁新组,和解聚散方组,每组30只,从造模后第2天开始灌胃,洛丁新组按1.0mg·kg-1·d-1,和解聚散方组按9.8g·kg-1·d-1,假手术组、模型组灌胃生理盐水3ml/只。分别于造模后7,14,21d取梗阻侧肾脏行HE、Masson染色,观察肾组织病理结构变化;采用免疫组化方法检测肾组织NF-κB的表达。结果:UUO模型组中NF-κB在术后7、14、21d表达均明显高于假手术组(P<0.05),两个治疗组在术后7d表达水平明显低于UUO模型组(P<0.05)。结论:和解聚散方可以通过抑制NF-κB的过度表达,延缓肾间质纤维化的进程。     

芍药苷对单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾间质纤维化的作用

目的:探讨芍药苷(paeoniflorin,PF)对单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾间质纤维化的影响及其机制。方法:36只清洁级雄性SD大鼠,随机分为假手术组(SOR)、模型组(UUO)、芍药苷治疗组(PF),每组12只。以左侧输尿管结扎制作UUO模型,并用PF干预治疗。分别于术后第7、14 d各组各处死6只大鼠。采血测定血清肌酐(Scr)、尿素氮(BUN),梗阻侧肾组织做HE、MASSON染色观察肾间质病变程度,免疫组化检测核转录因子-κB(NF-κB),单核细胞趋化蛋白-1(MCP-1),α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMAB)表达水平。结果:各组间血BUN、Scr相比差异无显著统计学意义。与假手术组相比,模型组HE,Masson染色大鼠肾间质程度明显加重,胶原沉积明显。免疫组化结果显示NF-κB,MCP-1,α-SMAB均明显升高(P <0. 05)。与模型组相比,治疗组大鼠HE,Masson染色大鼠肾间质程度及胶原沉积明显改善,免疫组化结果显示NF-κB,MCP-1,α-SMA明显下降,但仍高于假手术组(P <0. 05)。结论:芍药苷可通过抑制NF-κB,MCP-1的表达,抑制炎症反应,减轻UUO大鼠肾间质纤维化程度。     

N-乙酰基-丝氨酰-天门冬酰-赖氨酰-脯氨酸对肾间质纤维化大鼠MCP-1及NF-κB表达的影响

目的：观察N-乙酰基-丝氨酰-天门冬酰-赖氨酰-脯氨酸（AcSDKP）对单侧输尿管梗阻（UUO）所致大鼠肾间质纤维化的的保护作用并初探其机制。方法：雄性Wistar大鼠18只,随机分为假手术组、UUO组、治疗组（AcSDKP＋UUO）,每组各6只。于造模第14天处死大鼠,取其梗阻侧肾脏组织行HE、Masson染色,光镜下观察肾组织病理改变,评价肾小管变性程度及肾间质纤维化指数,免疫组织化学检测各组肾脏组织MCP-1、ED-1及NF-κB蛋白表达,RT-PCR检测MCP-1 mRNA的表达,Western blot检测NF-κB的蛋白质表达。结果：与假手术组相比,UUO组大鼠肾脏肾小管变性及肾间质纤维化程度严重,AcSDKP治疗后可明显改善UUO组大鼠肾小管变性和间质纤维化（P〈0.05）;免疫组化染色显示：MCP-1、ED-1及NF-κB的蛋白表达UUO组和治疗组明显多于假手术组,但治疗组较UUO组明显减少（P〈0.05）;AcSDKP治疗组MCP-1 mRNA及NF-κB蛋白质的表达均显著弱于UUO组,二者相比差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论：AcSDKP通过抑制NF-κB激活并进一步减少下游炎症细胞因子的表达以达到治疗肾间质纤维化的作用。     

复方鳖甲软肝片对单侧输尿管结扎大鼠肾组织NF-κB 表达的影响

目的:探讨核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)在肾间质纤维化中的表达情况及其复方鳖甲软肝片的干预作用.方法:采用单侧输尿管结扎(UUO)肾间质纤维化模型.将大鼠随机分为7组,即:正常组、假手术组、模型组、苯那普利组和复方鳖甲软肝片低、中、高剂量组.术后4周处死大鼠,观察肾组织病理改变,并应用免疫组织化学方法检测肾组织NF-κB的表达.结果:模型组肾组织表现为纤维化病理改变,正常组及假手术组肾小管上皮细胞、肾间质细胞胞浆有较弱的NF-κB表达;模型组肾小管上皮细胞、肾间质细胞激活的NF-κB在胞核强阳性表达;复方鳖甲软肝片组病理改变较模型组纤维化程度减轻,NF-κB的表达较模型组显著减少,有统计学差异(P<0.05),与苯那普利组比无统计学差异但也有所减少.结论:复方鳖甲软肝片通过抑制NF-κB的过度表达而减缓肾纤维化病程进展.     

p38 MAPK、NF-кB在肾小管间质纤维化中的作用研究

目的:探讨p38MAPK、NF-κB在单侧输尿管梗阻(UUO)大鼠肾小管间质纤维化发生中的作用.方法:将30只雌性SD大鼠随机分为假手术组及模型组,模型组行UUO术.术后第5、10、15d分别处死两组中的5只大鼠,取左肾行HE和Masson染色,并用免疫组化方法检测肾小管间质中TGF-β1、p38MAPK、P-p38MAPK、NF-кB的表达.结果:HE和Masson染色显示模型组大鼠肾小管间质增宽,小管间质细胞增多,小管基底膜增厚皱缩纤维化,随时间进展,病变愈加明显(P<0.01).免疫组化结果显示:假手术组大鼠肾小管间质中仅有少量TGF-β1、p38MAPK、P-p38MAPK、NF-кB表达;模型组大鼠梗阻侧肾小管间质中TGF-β1、p38MAPK、P-p38MAPK、NF-кB表达明显增加(P<0.01).结论:p38MAPK、NF-кB可能参与UUO大鼠肾小管间质纤维化过程.     

p38 MAPK、NF-κB在肾小管间质纤维化中的作用研究

目的：探讨p38MAPK、NF-κB在单侧输尿管梗阻(UUO)大鼠肾小管间质纤维化发生中的作用。方法：将30只雌性SD大鼠随机分为假手术组及模型组。模型组行UUO术。术后第5、10、15d分别处死两组中的5只大鼠．取左肾行HE和Masson染色。并用免疫组化方法检测肾小管间质中TGF-β1、p38MAPK、P- p38MAPK、NF-κB的表达。结果：HE和Masson染色显示模型组大鼠肾小管间质增宽．小管间质细胞增多,小管基底膜增厚皱缩纤维化,随时间进展,病变愈加明显(P＜0．01)。免疫组化结果显示：似手术组大鼠肾小管间质中仅有少量TGF-β1、p38MAPK、P-p38MAPK、NF-κB表达；模型组大鼠梗阻侧肾小管间质中TGF-β1、p38MAPK、P-p38MAPK、NF-κB表达明显增加(P＜0．01)。结论：p38MAPK、NF-κB可能参与UUO大鼠肾小管间质纤维化过程。     

加味抵挡汤对单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾间质PAI—1表达的影响

目的探讨加味抵挡汤延缓肾间质纤维化的机制。方法将60只大鼠随机分为模型组、加味抵挡汤组、贝那普利组、假手术组、空白组各12只,前3组行单侧输尿管梗阻（UUO）术,术后第14天处死大鼠,留取梗阻侧肾组织行HE染色,观察肾脏病理学变化,并用免疫组化方法测定肾组织纤溶酶原激活剂抑制物-1（PAI-1）的表达。结果加味抵挡汤能改善肾间质损伤和肾间质纤维化程度,降低肾脏组织致纤维化因子PAI-1表达。结论加味抵挡汤具有延缓肾纤维化的作用。     

刺梨冻干粉对肾纤维化模型大鼠的影响及干预机制研究

目的通过观察刺梨冻干粉对单侧输尿管梗阻(unilateral ureteral obstruction,UUO)模型大鼠肾纤维化及免疫炎症因子的影响,探讨刺梨冻干粉延缓肾纤维化的干预机制。方法将SD雄性大鼠分为4组:假手术组、UUO模型组、氯沙坦钾组和刺梨冻干粉组,前两组均予以蒸馏水,氯沙坦钾、刺梨冻干粉组分别给予氯沙坦钾片(1 mg/100 g)及刺梨冻干粉(300 mg/100 g)灌胃治疗,首次给药后14 d处死大鼠,采集标本,观察各组大鼠肾组织病理改变,应用免疫组织化学法检测α平滑肌肌动蛋白(alpha smooth muscle actinα-SMA)、Ⅲ型胶原(collagenⅢ,Col-Ⅲ)及蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blot)检测肾脏组织转化生长因子β1(transforming growth factor-β1,TGF-β1)、核转录因子-κB p65(NF-κB p65)、Toll样受体2(Toll-like receptor,TLR2)蛋白的表达。结果光镜下,假手术组肾组织结构基本正常,无明显炎性细胞浸润,间质无或少许胶原纤维;模型组肾组织结构紊乱,大量炎性细胞浸润,肾间质可见明显的胶原纤维沉积,氯沙坦钾、刺梨冻干粉组与模型组比较病理改变明显减轻。假手术组大鼠肾组织中仅少量α-SMA、Col-Ⅲ、TGF-β1、NF-κB p65及TLR2蛋白表达,模型组中上述蛋白表达显著升高;与模型组比较,刺梨冻干粉组、氯沙坦钾组大鼠肾组织中α-SMA、Col-Ⅲ、TGF-β1、NF-κB p65、TLR2蛋白显著降低(P0.01);刺梨冻干粉组肾组织中TLR2、NF-κB p65蛋白较氯沙坦钾组表达显著降低(P0.05),α-SMA、Col-Ⅲ、TGF-β1蛋白表达二者比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。刺梨冻干粉能够明显减轻UUO大鼠肾功能的损害及输尿管梗阻导致的肾纤维化。结论刺梨冻干粉对UUO模型大鼠肾组织局部的免疫微环境有调节作用,能改善肾纤维化。     

丹酚酸B对输尿管梗阻大鼠肾小管上皮细胞转分化的影响

目的:探讨丹酚酸B对输尿管梗阻大鼠肾小管上皮细胞转分化影响及作用机制.方法:雄性SD大鼠,建立单侧输尿管梗阻模型(UUO).设假手术组、模型组、治疗组(丹酚酸B 30 mg·kg-1·d-1)术后第9天处死各组大鼠.采用光镜观察肾间质纤维化、炎细胞浸润,免疫组化观察肾组织转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)和Vimentin蛋白表达的变化.结果:(1)治疗组大鼠肾间质纤维化程度较模型组明显减轻;(2)UUO模型第9天时大鼠肾组织TGF-β、α-SMA和Vimentin表达明显增强,炎细胞浸润明显增加.采用丹酚酸B治疗后,肾组织TGF-β1、α-SMA和Vimentin表达的异常增强能得到有效抑制,炎细胞浸润明显减少.结论:丹酚酸B具有减轻肾组织纤维化的作用,而这一作用与其能有效抑制炎细胞浸润和TGF-β1过度表达,进一步阻押肾小管上皮细胞转分化(EMT)有关.     

Oxymatrine inhibits renal fibrosis of obstructive nephropathy by downregulating the TGF-β1-Smad3 pathway

This study investigated whether oxymatrine (OMT) treatment can ameliorate renal interstitial fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice model. Moreover, the potential mechanisms of such treatment were analyzed. Twenty-four C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into three groups, namely sham group, vehicle plus unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-treated group, and 100?mg/kg/d OMT plus UUO-treated group. All mice were euthanized seven days after surgery, and their kidneys were harvested. Renal injury, fibrosis, expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and the transforming growth factor-β1/Smads (TGF-β/Smads) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-signaling pathways were assessed. The results showed OMT significantly prevented kidney injury and fibrosis, as evidenced by decreased expression of collagen-1 and fibronectin. Furthermore, OMT administration inhibited the release of inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α, (TNF-α) interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), as well as phosphorylated NF-κB p65. In addition, OMT blocked the activation of myofibroblasts by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3-signaling pathway. The findings indicate that OMT-attenuated renal fibrosis and inflammation, and this renoprotective effect may be ascribed to the inactivation of the TGF-β/Smad3 and NF-κB p65 pathways.     

Effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on macrophage chemo taxis inhibitory factor and nuclear factor-κB/P65 in obstructive nephropathy rats

Objective To investigate the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor(MIF) and nuclear factor-κB/P65 (NF-κB/P65) in the kidneys of unilateral ureteral occlusion (UUO) model rats and the effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on the expression. Method The cell model of obstructive nephropathy was established by renal tubular epithelial cells treated with TGF- beta 1. Thirty healthy adult male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham operation group (n=10), UUO group (n=10) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 group (n=10, UUO rats treated with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by lavage 2 days before operation)．The rats in sham group and UUO group were treated with equal normal saline by lavage. Serum creatinine (Scr) and histopathological changes were tested at week 2. The expressions of collagen Ⅳ (ColⅣ), macrophage marker antigen ED-1, MIF and NF-κB/P65 in renal issue were measured by immunohistochemistry. The MIF mRNA was detected by real-time PCR and the protein expressions of MIF, NF-κB inhibitor α (IKBα) and p-IKBα were measured by Western blotting. In renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK52E) the expressions of MIF and NF-κB were detected by immunocytochemistry, and the the protein expression of MIF and the activation of IKBα were teasted by Western blotting. Results Compared with those in sham group, in model group rats had increaced Scr, tubulointerstitial damage area and expressions of ED-1 and ColⅣ, and up-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of MIF (all P＜0.05). Moreover, the amount of NF-κB/P65 nuclear positive cells and p-IKBα expression were significantly increased while the expression of IKBα decreased in model group (all P＜0.05). NRK52E cells had higher expressions of MIF, NF-κB and p-IKBα, and lower IKBα in model group than those in control group (all P＜0.05). After the application of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, those above effects were inhibited (all P＜0.05). The results of cell model and animal model were in agreement. Conclusions The expressions of MIF and the activation of NF-κB/P65 in UUO rats increased significantly. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 may ameliorate the progression of renal tubulointerstitial inflammation and renal fibrosis by intervening the expression of MIF, inducing phosphorylation of IKBα and decreasing the activation of NF-κB/P65.     

Effects of renal sympathetic denervation on renal interstitial fibrosis in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction

Objective To observe the influence of renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) on renal interstitial fibrosis and transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1) and microRNA-21 (miR-21) in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO). Methods 40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into UUO group (A group, n=10), sham UUO group (B group, n=10), RSD+UUO group (C group, n=10) and RSD+sham UUO group (D group, n=10). Rats in A group and C group underwent unilateral ureteral ligation, while those in B group and D group underwent sham operation. Rats in C group and D group were followed by RSD. Rats were sacrificed at 21 days after the operation to evaluate the fibrosis by Masson staining. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting were used to detect the expressions of collagen I (COL-I), collagen Ⅲ(COL-Ⅲ) and TGF-β1 in four groups. The expression of miR-21 was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Results A large amount of collagen deposition was observed in the renal interstitial area in A and C group compared to either B or D group (P＜0.05), but the change in C group was decreased significantly than that in A group (P＜0.05). Similarly, the expressions of COL-I, COL-Ⅲ, TGF-β1 and miR-21 were obviously higher in A and C group compared to either B or D group (P＜0.05), but those change in C group were decreased significantly than those in A group (P＜0.05). The above indexes were not significantly different between B group and D group (P＞0.05). Conclusion RSD may relieve the renal interstitial fibrosis in UUO rats, and down-regulate the expression of TGF-β1 and miR-21.     

Effect and mechanism of soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor in renal fibrosis mice model

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor (sEHI) for NF-κB pathway and cell circle arrest of tubular epithelial cell in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice model. Methods Thirty-two healthy C57BL/6 male mice performed UUO surgery to induce renal interstitial fibrosis. Animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham group (n=8), sEHI (1 mg?kg-1?d-1) group (n=8), UUO group (n=8) and UUO+sEHI (1 mg?kg-1?d-1) group (n=8). Daily sEHI [1-(1-methylsulfonyl-piperidin-4-yl)-3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-urea, TUPS] or 2% DMSO was applied to mice by oral gavage from day 1 to day 14 after surgery. All mice were sacrificed at day 14 and kidneys were harvested for further analysis. The changes of renal tissue morphology and pathology were observed by Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and sirius red staining. The expressions of sEH, nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) and IκB were measured by Western blotting. The expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, IL-6, TGF-β, CTGF, collagen-IV and α-SMA were analyzed by real-time PCR. Immunofluorescence staining of phospho-histone H3 (p-HH3) and Ki67 was performed to determine the stage of cell cycle G2/M arrest. Results The expression and activity of sEH increased in UUO group (P﹤0.05). Administration of sEHI inhibited activity of sEH and infiltration of inflammatory cell in tubular interstitial, as well as attenuated tubular damage and tubular interstitial fibrosis. Western blotting analysis revealed administration of sEHI inhibited up-regulated NF-κB p65 and down-regulated IκB in UUO group (P﹤0.05). Real-time PCR demonstrated that administration of sEHI obviously decreased the mRNA expression of cytokines and fibrosis markers, including of TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, IL-6, TGF-β, CTGF, Collagen-IV, α-SMA (P﹤0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed that there were much more p-HH3 and Ki67 double positive nuclear tubular epithelial cells and interstitial cells in UUO group, compared with Sham group (P﹤0.05). Administration of sEHI reduced the number of double positive nuclear cell only in tubular epithelial cells (P﹤0.05), but not in interstitial cells. Conclusions In UUO tubular interstitial fibrosis model, sEHI inhibits the activation of NF-κB pathway by down-regulating p65 and up-regulating IκB and ameliorates the infiltration of inflammatory cells. In addition, sEHI plays anti-fibrosis effect by moderating cell cycle G2/M arrest and reducing the excrete of pro-fibrosis factors of tubular epithelial cells.     

Effect of renal fibrosis after macrophage depletion in C3-deficient unilateral ureteral obstruction mice

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of renal fibrosis after macrophage depletion in C3-deficient unilateral ureteral obstruction mice. Methods Renal interstitial fibrosis model was established by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in male C3-deficient mice and age-matched C57BL/6 WT mice (8-12 weeks of age). Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, including sham operation in wild type group（WT/sham）(n=18), UUO operation in wild type group（WT/UUO）(n=18), sham operation in C3-deficient group（C3KO/sham）(n=18), and UUO operation in C3-deficient group（C3KO/UUO）(n=18). The expression of complement C3 was detected by immunohistochemical staining and renal interstitial macrophages were assessed by immunofluorescence staining. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis was observed by both HE staining and Masson staining after 14 days of UUO. Collagen accumulation and score of tubulointerstitial injury were obtained. Wild type and C3-deficient UUO mice were treated by liposome clodronate in early or late stage respectively and then interstitially infiltrated macrophages and renal fibrosis were analysed. Mice were sacrificed randomly at 3,7,14 days after UUO and obstructed kidneys were collected. Macrophage phenotype was detected by double-labeling immunofluorescence with F4/80 and iNOS for the M1, F4/80 and CD206 for the M2 macrophage subpopulation. iNOS, Arg-1 and CD206 were also detected by western blot. Results C3 deficient mice exhibited attenuated renal fibrosis, reduced collagen accumulation and tubulointerstitial injury score compared with WT mice (P＜0.01). Meanwhile, macrophage depletion in early or late stage of UUO reduced renal fibrosis in WT mice, but had no effect on C3-deficient UUO mice. Decreased accumulation of M1 macrophages and expression of iNOS, increased accumulation of M2 macrophages and expression of Arg-1, CD206 were found in C3 deficient mice compared with WT mice in early stage of UUO (P＜0.01). Conclusion Renal fibrosis is not reduced after depletion of macrophages in C3 deficient UUO mice due to the altered macrophage polarization.     

Inhibition of Src kinase can ameliorate renal interstitial fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction mice

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Src kinase in renal interstitial fibrosis of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, including sham operation group (n=8), sham operation+PP2 group (n=8), UUO operation group (n=8) and UUO operation+PP2 group (n=8). The mice were injected 2 mg/kg PP2 by intraperitoneal everyday after surgery in sham+PP2 group and UUO+PP2 group. PP2 dissolved in 1% DMSO (formulated with normal saline). Sham and UUO group were given equal 1% DMSO. The mice were sacrificed at 7th day. Renal collagen was observed with Sirius red stain. The activities of Src, protein kinase B (PKB, AKT), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and the protein expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin (FN) were detected by Western blotting. The expression of collagen I (COLⅠ) was detected by immunohistochemistry and the expressions of matrix metalloprotein 9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by ELISA. Results Compared with sham mice, UUO mice on 7th day displayed obvious renal fibrosis. Meanwhile, UUO mice had increased expressions of COLⅠ and FN, and activities of AKT, ERK and p38 MAPK (all P＜0.05). Their renal expressions of α-SMA, TGF-β1, MMP-9, TIMP-1, MCP-1 and IL-6 were also raised (all P＜0.05). Compared with those in UUO group, in UUO+PP2 group the activities of Src, AKT, p38 MAPK and ERK, and expressions of TGF-β1, MCP-1 and IL-6 decreased (all P＜0.05). Additionally, expressions of COLⅠ, FN and α-SMA, collagen deposition and renal fibrosis receded in UUO+PP2 group (all P＜0.05). However, the expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were not influenced by PP2 treatment. Conclusions Src kinase promotes myofibroblasts accumulation and inflammatory reaction through activating its downstream signaling pathway in the progressing of renal interstitial fibrosis.     

Effect of intermedin on microvascular injury of unilateral ureteral obstruction rats

Objective To observe the effect of intermedin(IMD) on microvascular injury of renal fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rat model. Methods Seventy-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: the sham - operation group (n=24) underwent the left ureteral dissection, the other 48 rats were made as unilateral ureteral obstruction models and sub - divided into model group(UUO, n=24) and IMD group (n=24). At the 7, 14, 21, 28 day after the operation, 6 randomly - selected rats from each of the three groups respectively were blooded by abdominal arotic and their obstructive kidneys were taken out. The renal histopathological changes were observed through HE and Masson staining, the contents of BUN, Scr and cystatin C (CysC) of the obstructive kidneys were determined, the expressions of transforming growth factor - β1 (TGF - β1), α-SMA, bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7), E-cadherin, thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected by RT - PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results Compared with the sham-operated group, the pathological changes of kidney in the model group showed that the degree of fibrosis was obvious, tubular interstitial damage aggravated, the levels of BUN, Scr, CysC in the model group increased (P＜0.05), the mRNA expression and protein content of TGF-β1, α-SMA, TSP-1 increased (P＜0.05), while the levels of BMP-7, E-cadherin and VEGF decreased (P＜0.05). Compared with the UUO group, renal tubular damage, interstitial fibrosis in the IMD group were lighter, the levels of BUN, Scr, CysC in the IMD group were lower (P＜0.05), the mRNA expression and protein content of TGF-β1, α-SMA,TSP-1 were down-regulated (P＜0.05), while the levels of BMP-7, E-cadherin and VEGF were up-regulated (P＜0.05). Conclusion IMD can ameliorate the renal interstitial fibrosis, and the mechanism may be related to the fact that VEGF mediated by IMD can reduce vascular injury.     

Protective effect of emodin on renal interstitial fibrosis in mice of unilateral ureteral obstruction via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of emodin (EM) in renal interstitial fibrosis of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, including sham operation group (n=8), UUO operation group (n=8), UUO operation+losartan (LST) group (n=8) and UUO operation+EM group (n=8). The mice in each group were ingested the suspensions by gavage for 14 days after surgery. Mice in UUO+LST and UUO+EM groups were given 10 mg?kg-1?d-1 LST and 20 mg?kg-1?d-1 EM, respectively. LST and EM were mixed with 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Mice in sham group and UUO group were given 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The mice were sacrificed at the 14th day. Interstitial fibrosis was observed by HE, Masson and PAS stain. Real-time PCR was used to detect LC3, Beclin-1 and mTOR mRNA. Protein expressions of TGF-β1, α-SMA, E-cadherin, LC3, Beclin-1, PI3K, p-Akt and mTOR were detected by Western blotting. The autophagy was observed with transmission electron microscopy in the renal tissue. Results Compared with sham mice, UUO mice at the 14th day displayed obvious renal fibrosis. Meanwhile, UUO mice had increased expressions of TGF-β1 and α-SMA (all P＜0.01), and decreased expressions of E-cadherin (P＜0.01). Their renal expressions of PI3K, p-Akt and mTOR were also raised (all P＜0.01). Compared with those in UUO group, in UUO+LST group and UUO+EM group, expressions of autophagy protein LC3 and Beclin-1 were increased (all P＜0.01), and the number of autophagic was increased. Additionally, expressions of TGF-β1 and α-SMA were reduced in UUO+LST group and UUO+EM group (all P＜0.01), while the expression of E-cadherin was increased by emodin treatment (P＜0.05). And expressions of PI3K, p-Akt and mTOR were decreased in UUO+LST group and UUO+EM group (all P＜0.05), meanwhile renal tissue fibrosis significantly reduced. Conclusions Emodin can promote autophagy, ameliorate renal interstitial fibrosis and protect renal function through PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.