Effects of Yishenbupi (tonifying-kidney and invigorating-spleen) prescription on the expression of renal fibrosis-associated proteins in unilateral ureteral occlusion rats

Objective:To evaluate the effects and mechanism of the Yishenbupi(tonifying-kidney and invigorating-spleen)prescription on the expression of renal fibrosis-associated vimentin,α-SMA,and fibronectin in unilateral ureteral occlusion rats.Methods:A total of 48 SD(Sprague-Dawley)rats were randomly divided into the model,sham-operated(sham),irbesartan,and Yishenbupi groups,with 12 rats in each group.After the unilateral ureteral occlusion model was established,rats in the model and sham groups were administered normal saline,whereas rats in the Yishenbupi group were administered Yishenbupi prescription(18 g/kg/d)intragastrically and those in the irbesartan group were administered irbesartan(10 mg/kg/d)intragastrically.All rats were sacrificed 21 days later.Pathological changes in rat renal tissue were evaluated by H&E staining.The expression of vimentin,α-SMA,and fibronectin in renal tissues was detected by western blotting.Results:Compared with the sham group the model group had renal tubular epithelial cell atrophy,inflammatory cell infiltration accompanied with the proliferation of interstitial collagen fibers,fewer glomeruli,or glomerulosclerosis.Compared with the model group,significantly less renal tubular and glomerular damages,inflammatory cell infiltration,and collagen fibers were observed in different intervention groups,especially in the Yishenbupi group.Compared with the sham group,significantly higher expressions of fibrosis markers,including vimentin,α-SMA,and fibronectin,were observed in the model group.Compared with the model group,the expression of anti-fibrosis markers,including vimentin,α-SMA and fibronectin,was significantly decreased in both the irbesartan and Yishenbupi groups(P<0.01);however,the Yishenbupi group showed higher efficacy than the irbesartan group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The Yishenbupi prescription may improve renal fibrosis by reducing the expression of fibrosis-associated vimentin,α-SMA,and fibronectin.

Effects of Yishenbupi (Tonifying-Kidney and Invigorating-Spleen) prescription on renal fibrosis

Background:This study aims to observe the effects of Yishenbupi(Tonifying-Kidney and Invigorating-Spleen)decoction on renal fibrosis of unilateral ureteral occlusion rats.Methods:Forty-eight sprague-dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham-operated group(sham group),model group,irbesartan group,and Yishenbupi group.Each group was intragastrically administered after the unilateral ureteral occlusion model was established.Rats in the Yishenbupi group were intragastrically administered with Yishenbupi decoction(18 g/kg/d)once every morning.Rats in the irbesartan group were intragastrically administered with 10 mg/kg/d of irbesartan tablets once every morning.Rats in the sham group and model group(unilateral ureteral occlusion group)were intragastrically administered with isovolumetric distilled water twice a day from the day the model was established.All rats were sacrificed 21 days later.Occluded kidney tissues were taken,and pathological sections were prepared.Masson,periodic acid-Schiff,Sirius Red,and immunohistochemical staining were performed to detect the expression of collagen III and fibronectin.Results:The pathological staining of rat kidneys(Masson,periodic acid-Schiff,and Sirius Red)showed that,compared to the unilateral ureteral occlusion model group,the renal interstitial injury was eased and collagen deposition was reduced in the irbesartan and Yishenbupi groups;after immunohistochemical staining,the expression of collagen III and fibronectin positively expressed cells was decreased and decreased more in the Yishenbupi group than in the irbesartan group.Conclusion:Yishenbupi decoction can alleviate the injury to kidney tissues in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction,reduce the deposition of extracellular matrix,and act against renal fibrosis.