Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Panax notoginoside</Emphasis> on the expression of TGF-β1 and Smad-7 in renal tissues of diabetic rats

In order to explore the effects of Panax notoginoside (PNS) on the expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and Smad-7 in renal tissues of diabetes, a rat model of diabetic nephropathy was set up by intravenous injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group, diabetic control group, group treated by PNS at low-dosage (PL), group treated by PNS at high-dosage (PH) and group treated by catopril (C), respectively. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), renal index, endogenous creatinine clearance rate (CCr) and urinary albumin (UAlb) in 24 h were examined after 6 weeks. Meanwhile, the expressions of TGF-β1 and Smad7 in renal tissues were immunohistochemically dectected. At the end of the sixth week, FBG, renal index, Ccr, UAlb were all elevated significantly in control group (P<0.01). The expression of TGF-β1 protein was increased while Smad7 protein decreased in renal tissue (P<0.01). However, the treatment with PNS reversed the aforementioned changes in renal tissues of diabetic rats. These results indicate that PNS possess a protective effect on the kidney of diabetic rats and it might protect kidney by inhibiting the expression of TGF-β1 protein and enhancing the expression of Smad7 protein.     

Effect of Calcium Dobesilate on Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

In order to investigate the effects and mechanisms of calcium dobesilate on renal lesions in experimental type 2 diabetic rats, dibetic rats were randomly divided into control group (group C) and experimental group (group D) treated with calcium dobesitate. The serum creatinine (Scr),protein kinase C (PKC), creatinine clearance (Ccr), transforming growth factor-beta, (TGF-β1),type Ⅳ collagen were compared among the groups after 24 weeks. The renal tissues were observed under light microscopy and electron microscopy. The results showed that after 24 weeks, Scr,PKC, TGF-β1 in group D were significantly lower than in group C, meanwhile, renal pathologic changes in group D were improved. Ccr had no difference between group C and group D. It was concluded that calcium dobesilate could ameliorate renal lesions in diabetic rats through inhibiting PKC and TGF-β1.     

Expression of Serum and Glucocorticoid-inducible Kinase1 in Diabetic Rats and Its Modulation by Fluvastatin

The expression of serum and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase in the renal cortex of diabetic rats was examined, and the function of signal transduction mediated by SGK1 in diabetic nephropathy and its modulation by fluvastatin were also investigated. 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group （n = 8）, diabetic nephropathy group （n = 8） and fluvastatin-treated diabetic nephropathy group （15 mg/kg/d, n=8）. The metabolic parameters were measured at the 8th week. The expression of transforming growth factor β1 （TGF-β1） and fibronectin （FN） was immunohistochemically examined. The expression of SGK1 was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, and CTGF mRNA was assessed by RT-PCR. As compared to DN, blood glucose, 24-h urinary protein, Cer and kidney weight index were all decreased and the weight was increased obviously in group F. At the same time, mesangial cells and extracellular matrix proliferation were relieved significantly. The levels of cortex SGK1 mRNA and protein were up-regulated, and both TGF-β1 and FN were down-regulated by fluvastatin. The mRNA of SGK1 was positively correlated with the CTGF, TGF-β1 and FN. SGK1 expression is markedly up-regulated in the renal cortex of DN group and plays an important role in the development and progress of diabetic nephropathy by means of signal transduction. Fluvastatin suppressed the increased SGKlmRNA expression in renal cortex and postponed the development of diabetic nephropathy.     

Effects of Houttuynia Cordata Thumb on Expression of BMP-7 and TGF-β1 in the Renal Tissues of Diabetic Rats

Objective： To explore the effects of Houttuynia Cordata Thumb （HCT 鱼腥草 Yu Xing Cao） on expression of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） and bone morphogenetic protein-7 （BMP-7） in the renal tissues of diabetic rats. Methods： The diabetic rats induced by intravenous injection of streptozotocin（STZ） were randomly divided into a model group, a HCT group and a lotensin group, with normal rats designated as the controls. 8 weeks later, the ratio of kidney weight to body weight, the glomerular area, the excretion of β 2-microglobin （β2-MG） in 24-hr urine, the albumin excretion in 24-hr urine, and creatinine clearance rate （CCR） were investigated. The expression of TGF- β 1, BMP-7 and collagen I in the renal tissues was observed with the immunohistochemical method and by the semi-quantitative assay. Results： The overgrowth of glomerulus, the excretion of β 2-MG in 24-hr urine, the albumin excretion rate in 24-hr urine and CCR in the HCT group significantly reduced （P〈0.05）, and the expression of TGF-β1 and collagen I significantly decreased （P〈0.05）, but BMP-7 significantly increased （P〈0.05） in the HCT group as compared with those in the model group, with no significant difference as compared with the lotensin group （P〉0.05）. Conclusion： HCT has a protective effect on the renal tissues in diabetic rats, which is probably correlated with the decrease of the expression of TGF-β1 and collagen I and with the increase of the expression of BMP-7 in the renal tissues.     

Effect of Quyu Chencuo Formula(去菀陈莝方)on Renal Fibrosis in Obstructive Nephropathy Rats

Objective: To observe the effect of Quyu Chencuo Formula(去菀陈莝方, QCF) on renal fibrosis in rats with obstructive nephropathy. Methods: Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into three groups, 4 for sham operation as the control group, 10 for unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO) model group, and the rest 10 for QCF treating UUO model group. All rats were sacrificed under 3% pentobarbital(50 mg/kg) anesthesia on the 14 th day after surgery, then the right kidney samples of rats were harvested for hematoxylin eosin(HE) staining and Masson staining to observe the renal pathological changes. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to examine the expression of transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1), and real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was employed to examine the expressions of TGF-β1, α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) and E-cadherin mRNA. Results: HE and Masson staining showed that the renal interstitial of the rats in the control group had no significant fibrotic lesion; in the model group, there were obvious interstitial fibrosis; for the QCF group, there were epithelial cell necrosis, infiltration of lymphocytes and mononuclear cells, aggravated interstitial fibrosis in varied degrees, but the pathological changes were less in the QCF group than in the model group. The immunohistochemistry and Western blotting results showed that the TGF-β1 expression was increased significantly in the model group, while decreased significantly in the QCF group(P0.05); RT-PCR showed that the mRNA expression of α-SMA and TGF-β1 increased significantly in the model group, while both were significantly decreased in the QCF group compared with the model group(P0.05). The mRNA expression of E-cadherin was decreased significantly in the model group, and it was significantly increased in the QCF group as compared with the model group(P0.05). Conclusion: QCF may improve renal fibrosis by regulating the expressions of TGF-β1, α-SMA and E-cadherin, and prevent the progress of kidney fibrosis.     

Effects of mycophenolate mofetil, valsartan and their combined therapy on preventing podocyte loss in early stage of diabetic nephropathy in rats

Background Podocyte has inflammatory role in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an anti-inflammatory agent, can suppress macrophage infiltration and reduce renal injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), another renal protecting agent, can decrease podocyte loss in DN. In this study, we detected the expression levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and nephrin to evaluate podocyte’s role in inflammatory reaction in DN, observe and compare the effect of MMF alone and in combination with valsartan, on preventing podocyte loss in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Methods Diabetic model was constructed in uninephrectomized male Wistar rats by single peritoneal injection of STZ (65 mg/kg). The successfully induced diabetic rats were randomly divided into four groups: diabetes without treatment group (DM), valsartan treated group (DMV), MMF treated group (DMM), and combined therapy group (DMVM). Normal rats of the same sibling were chosen as control (NC). At the end of the 8th week, serum biochemistry, 24-hour urinary protein (UP) and the ratio of kidney weight/body weight (RWK/B) were measured. The rats were sacrificed for the observation of renal histomorphology through light and electron microscope. Nephrin, desmin and MCP-1 levels were detected by semi-quantitative immunohistochemical assays. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of nephrin and MCP-1.Results Compared with group NC, serum glucose level, 24-hour UP and RWK/B in group DM were significantly higher (P&lt;0.01), and the nephrin mRNA level in DM group was significantly lower (P&lt;0.05). The nephrin mRNA expression levels in group DMV, DMM and DMVM were all higher than that of DM group (P&lt;0.05) and no significant differences were found among the three treatment groups (P&gt;0.05). Treatment with MMF, valsartan or their combination could significantly decrease the 24-hour UP and RWK/B, and suppress glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrotic lesions in diabetic rats. In diabetic rats, the high expressions of desmin and MCP-1 in kidney were suppressed by valsartan, MMF or their combination.Conclusions Podocytes are involved in the inflammatory reaction of diabetic rats. MMF could suppress MCP-1 and desmin expression, enhance nephrin expression, and attenuate proteinuria in diabetic rats. The combined therapy of valsartan and MMF did not show any superiority over monotherapies on renal protection. MMF may have renoprotective effect in early stages of diabetic nephropathy through preventing podocytes loss and anti-inflammatory activity.     

山茱萸提取物-总三萜烯酸改善链脲佐菌素诱导糖尿病大鼠肾损害进展

Objective:To Investigate whether total triterpene acids(TTAs),isolated from Corpus Fructus,attenuates renal function by reducing oxidative stress and down-regulating the expression of transforming growth factor β_1(TGF-β_1).Methods:Diabetes was induced by an injection of streptozotocin(40 mg/kg intravenously).Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups:control group,diabetic model group and TTAs treatment group(50 mg/kg,intragastrically)administrated for 8 weeks from 5th to 12th week.All rats were anaesthetized and then were killed to remove kidneys.The renal function and redox enzyme system parameters were tested.Glomerular morphology was observed by a light microscopy.Immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays were employed to determine the protein levels of TGF-β_1.Results:TTAs attenuated the levels of urinary protein,serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen,although it did not significantly reduce the level of glucose.In addition,TTAs decreased the malondialdehyde while increased superoxide dismutase,catalase and glutathione peroxide activities in diabetic rats.The renal pathological changes in TTAs treatment group were ameliorated.Furthermore,TTAs also ameliorated the expression of TGF-β_1.Conclusion:TTAs improved renal function via reducing oxidative stress and down-regulation the expression of TGF-β_1 in diabetic rats.     

Expression of transforming growth factor beta-1 in fibrosis of transplanted kidney

In order to study the role and significance of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1)mRNA in transplanted renal fibrosis(TRF). Methods: Renal pathologic changes and expression of TGF-β1 mRNA were observed using in situ hybridization technique. The normal renal tissue as a control group. Results: Expression of TGF-β1 mRNA in the renal fibrosis increased, compared with that in the control group. The expression rate were co-related to the stage of TRF.Conclusion: TGF-β1 is related to the pathogenesis and development of TRF.     

槲皮素脂质体对糖尿病肾病氧化应激和TGF-β1/Smad7通路的影响

目的 观察槲皮素脂质体(LQ)对糖尿病肾病氧化应激和转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)/Smad7通路的影响.方法 高糖高脂饮食联合腹腔注射链脲佐菌素(STZ)制备大鼠2型糖尿病肾病模型,随机分为糖尿病模型组(DM组)、槲皮素脂质体组(LQ组)和厄贝沙坦组(IRB组),另设正常组.8周后生化法测定各组大鼠血清中总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、高密度脂蛋白(HDL)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)水平,免疫组化检测大鼠肾脏TGF-β1和Smad7蛋白的表达,RT-PCR法检测大鼠肾皮质TGF-β1和Smad7 mRNA的表达情况.结果 与正常组比较,DM组大鼠血清中HDL、SOD、GSH-Px活性水平显著下降,TC、TG、LDL、MDA含量明显升高,肾组织TGF-β1蛋白及TGF-β1 mRNA表达均显著增高,Smad7蛋白及Smad7 mRNA表达减少.与DM组比较,LQ组和IRB组HDL、SOD、GSH-Px活性水平升高,TC、TG、LDL、MDA含量降低,肾组织TGF-β1蛋白及TGF-β1 mRNA减少,Smad7蛋白及Smad7 mRNA表达增加.结论 LQ通过减轻体内氧化应激反应,干预TGF-β1和Smad7通路从而对糖尿病肾病起保护作用.     

环孢菌素A对链脲佐菌素诱导的糖尿病大鼠肾脏组织中MIP-1α mRNA表达的影响

目的: 探讨环孢菌素A（CsA）对链脲佐菌素（STZ)诱导的糖尿病大鼠肾脏巨噬细胞炎性蛋白-1α（MIP-1α） mRNA表达的影响,阐明其相关机制。方法：雄性SD大鼠(Sprague-Dawley )按50 mg?kg-1尾静脉注射STZ诱导建立糖尿病大鼠模型。按随机原则分为正常对照组（CON组）、糖尿病模型组（DM组）、胰岛素干预8周组（AMI组）及CsA 1 mg/kg/d干预组(AML组)、CsA 4 mg/kg/d干预组(AMM组)和CsA 8 mg/kg/d干预组(AMH组),每组10只。采用RT-PCR法检测MIP-1α的表达水平;比较CsA各干预组MASSON阳性染色面积和光密度值。结果：与CON组比较,DM组大鼠淋巴细胞MIP-1α mRNA表达水平明显升高（P<0.05）。CsA各干预组与DM组比较,MASSON阳性染色面积和光密度值均明显降低,差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）。结论：糖尿病肾脏组织MIP-1α mRNA表达增加,肾脏纤维化明显。CsA干预可以使肾脏MIP-1α mRNA表达降低,减轻肾脏纤维化进展。     

E3泛素连接酶APC对糖尿病大鼠肾组织SnoN蛋白表达的影响

目的：观察APC10在糖尿病大鼠肾组织中的表达变化,并初步探讨其与糖尿病肾病（DN）发生发展中SnoN蛋白表达变化的关系。方法：大鼠随机分为糖尿病2、4和8周组,每组均设鼠龄匹配的正常对照组;生化方法测血糖、血肌酐和24 h尿蛋白,并观察肾脏指数;免疫组织化学检测APC10、核转录共抑制因子SnoN（SnoN）、转化生长因子-β1（TGF-β1）、Smad2/3及链脲佐菌素（FN）蛋白的表达变化;RT-PCR检测SnoNmRNA的表达。结果：APC10阳性染色见于各组大鼠肾小管,随DN病程进展其表达逐渐增多,SnoN蛋白表达逐渐减少,TGF-β1、Smad2/3及FN蛋白亦随DN发展而增多;各时点糖尿病大鼠SnoN mRNA的表达与正常对照组相比差异无统计学意义。结论：APC10在DN发生发展中的表达增多可能介导了SnoN蛋白的泛素化降解,可能是SnoN蛋白表达减少的主要机制之一。     

糖尿病大鼠外周血单个核细胞内与肾皮质中TGF-β1mRNA水平的相关性研究

目的:观测糖尿病状态及噻唑烷二酮类药物治疗对糖尿病大鼠外周血单个核细胞(PBMC)内TGF-β1mRNA水平的影响,比较其与肾皮质TGF-β1基因表达的关系.方法:54只SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组(C组)、糖尿病组(D组)及吡格列酮治疗组(DP组).2、4、8周每组各取6只,以RT-PCR 狭缝杂交法半定量检测PBMC内和肾皮质TGF-β1mRNA水平.结果:肾皮质TGF-β1mRNA水平8周内D组均高于C组(P<0.05),而PBMC内TGF-β1mRNA水平4周时略高于C组(1.27±0.38 vs 0.88±0.36,P>0.05),8周时差别有统计学意义(1.12±0.08 vs 0.84±0.16,P<0.05).D组和DP组在8周时PBMC内TGF-β1mRNA水平与肾皮质TGF-β1mRNA水平呈正相关(r=0.83、P=0.02,r=0.82、P=0.03).结论:在糖尿病肾病早期,PBMC内TGF-β1mRNA水平增高迟于肾皮质;但PBMC内TGF-β1mRNA水平可反映肾皮质TGF-β1mRNA水平的变化.     

内皮素-1反义脱氧寡核苷酸对糖尿病肾病大鼠肾组织形态学的影响

目的：研究内皮素-1反义脱氧寡核苷酸（ET-1AS—ODN）对链脲佐菌素（streptozotocin,STZ）诱导的糖尿病大鼠肾组织形态学的保护作用及其机制．方法：一次性腹腔注射STZ（60mg／kg）,建立大鼠糖尿病模型,观察ET-1AS-ODN预防性给药对大鼠肾组织形态结构的保护作用．结果：ET-1AS—ODN可明显减轻糖尿病大鼠肾肥大指数,改善肾组织形态学损伤．结论：内皮素-1反义寡核苷酸可减轻STZ诱导的糖尿病肾病大鼠的肾损伤,对肾组织具有保护作用．其机制与减少内源性内皮素的产生有关．     

青刺果黄酮对糖尿病大鼠肾组织c-fos基因表达上调的抑制作用

目的探讨青刺果黄酮对糖尿病大鼠肾组织c-fos及c-jun基因表达的影响。方法大鼠随机分为正常对照组（A组）、糖尿病组（B组）及青刺果黄酮治疗组（C组）,采用腹腔单剂量注射链脲佐菌素65mg·kg^-1建立糖尿病大鼠模型。治疗组给予青刺果黄酮300mg·kg^-1·d^-1腹腔注射。分别于第2周和4周末各组随机抽取4只大鼠处死,取肾脏称重;取第4周5只大鼠部分右肾皮质,采用RT-PCR及免疫组织化学方法检测青刺果黄酮对糖尿病大鼠肾组织c-foszaBNA、c-junmRNA及其蛋白表达．的影响。结果糖尿病大鼠肾脏指数显著增加,治疗组肾脏指数显著降低;糖尿病大鼠肾组织c-fosmRNA、c-junmRNA及其蛋白表达明显上调,青刺果黄酮可显著抑制上述指标的表达。结论青刺果黄酮通过抑制糖尿病大鼠肾组织c-fos及c-jun基因表达上调而减轻糖尿病大鼠肾脏损伤。     

姜黄素对糖尿病大鼠肾组织c-fos及c-jun基因表达上调的抑制作用

目的探讨姜黄素对糖尿病大鼠肾组织c-fos及c-jun基因表达上调的影响。方法大鼠随机分为正常对照组(A组)、糖尿病组(B组)及姜黄素治疗组(C组),采用腹腔单剂量注射链脲佐菌素(streptozo-tocin,STZ)65mg/kg建立糖尿病大鼠模型。治疗组给予姜黄素30mg/kg-1.d-1腹腔注射。实验第4周各组分别宰杀5只大鼠,取部分右肾皮质,采用RT-PCR及免疫组织化学方法分别检测姜黄素对糖尿病大鼠肾组织c-fos mRNA、c-jun mRNA及其蛋白表达上调的影响,并观察肾组织的病理学变化。结果糖尿病大鼠肾组织c-fos mRNA、c-jun mRNA及其蛋白表达明显上调,姜黄素可显著抑制上述指标表达上调,并减轻糖尿病大鼠肾脏病变。结论姜黄素通过抑制糖尿病大鼠肾组织c-fos及c-jun基因表达上调而减轻糖尿病大鼠肾脏损伤。     

肝纤维化大鼠TGF-β1与TIMP-1 mRNA的表达及补肾柔肝方的治疗作用

目的:探讨中药复方补肾柔肝方对二甲基亚硝胺(dimethylnitrosamine,DMN)诱导大鼠肝纤维化后肝脏组织金属蛋白酶抑制因子1(tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1,TIMP-1)和转化生长因子β1(transforming growth factor-beta 1,TGF-β1)的影响,以了解其对肝纤维化的治疗作用和分子机制.方法:雄性Wistar大鼠40只,随机分为正常对照组、模型组和治疗组,对模型组和治疗组运用DMN诱导大鼠肝纤维化.治疗组在造模4周后给予补肾柔肝方灌胃,剂量10 g·kg-1·d,共治疗4周.第8周末处死全部大鼠,对肝组织进行HE和天狼猩红染色观察,并采用RT-PCR半定量方法,检测大鼠肝组织TIMP-1及TGF-β1mRNA的表达水平.结果:肝组织病理学研究结果显示DMN可以成功诱导大鼠肝纤维化,模型组肝组织TIMP-1和TGF-β1mRNA表达明显增强,中药复方治疗组与模型组相比明显减弱,而正常对照组表达较少.结论:TIMP-1与TGF-β1mRNA的表达与肝纤维化的发生密切相关,中药复方补肾柔肝方对肝纤维化大鼠肝组织TIMP-1及TGF-β1具有明显的抑制作用,可达到抗肝纤维化的作用.     

虫草菌粉对慢性马兜铃酸肾病大鼠模型肾间质纤维化的保护作用

目的研究虫草菌粉对慢性马兜铃酸肾病（CAAN）模型大鼠肾间质纤维化的拮抗作用。方法雄性sD大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组和虫草组;每组6只。于0、1、4,8及12周末分别检测大鼠体重、尿糖、尿蛋白定量和血清肌酐（SCr）;并于第12周末处死大鼠留取肾组织,行Masson染色观察肾间质纤维化程度,逆转录实时聚合酶链反应和免疫组织化学方法检测肾组织中转化生长因子-β1（TGF-β1）、结缔组织生长因子（CTGF）、纤溶酶原激活物抑制物-1（PAI-1）、金属蛋白酶组织抑制物-1（TIMP-1）和Ⅰ型胶原（ColⅠ）mRNA及蛋白质表达。结果模型组大鼠尿蛋白定量及SCr显著高于对照组（P〈0．01及P〈0．05）;12周时肾间质纤维化面积显著增加（P〈0．01）;肾组织内上述指标的mRNA及蛋白质表达显著上调（P〈0．01）。与对照组相比,模型组大鼠肾组织TGF-β1、CTGF、PAI-1、TIMP-1和ColⅠ的mRNA表达分别上调4．19、2．66、6．12、3．09和7．03倍;蛋白质表达分别上调2．31、3．53、3．17、3．18和6．87倍。虫草组大鼠第12周时尿蛋白定量、SCr及肾间质纤维化面积均显著低于模型组（P〈0．05）,上述高表达的mRNA及蛋白质指标均被显著抑制（P〈0．05）,与模型组相比,虫草组大鼠肾组织TGF-β1、CTGF、PAI-1、TIMP-1和ColⅠ的mRNA表达分别下调45％、41％、47％、48％和67％;蛋白质表达分别下调38％、39％、49％、46％和61％。结论虫草菌粉可通过抑制肾组织促细胞外基质（ECM）合成因子（TGF-β1、CTGF）及抗ECM降解因子（TIMP-1、PAI-1）生成,而改善CAAN的肾间质纤维化及肾功能。