Protective effects of DN-1 on progressively renal damage in STZ-induced diabetic rats and their mechansim

Objective To evaluate the protective effects and study mechanism of DN-1 (Astragalus pilose, dangshen, Danshen, Rhubarb) on diabetic glomerulopathy in STZ induced diabetic rats. Methods A rat of STZ induced glomerulopathy was used in study. Diabetic rats were divided into two groups: one group was treated with DN-1 (RDN-1), another group with water (RDN-C), in addition, normal rats was used as controls (RNS). Changes of serum TGF-β_1, IL-8. Glucose, triglyceride, creatinine concentration and 24h urinary albumin rate (UAR), TGF-β_1, expression levels of rend tissue in rats were measured. Investigations of renal tissue in rats by microscope and electron microscope were analysed.Results In forth and eighth week urinary protein excretion and the levels of serum IL-8, TGF-β_1,and expression of TGF-β_1 in renal tissue were obviously higher in diabetic glomernlopathy rats than controls. By microscope and electron microscope. The typical pathological changes were found in the early stage of diabetic glomerulopathy rats. In eighth week, UAR,TG and expression levels of TGF-β_1,IL-8 were significantly decreased in diabetic rats treated by DN-1 than those untreated.Conclusion DN-1 may attenuate renal damage by reducing the urinary protein expression in diabetic glomerulopathy rats. The protective mechanism on diabetic nephropathy of DN-1 may be due to DN-1's decreasing the serum TGF-β_1,IL-8 levels and expression TGF -β_1 in renal tissue.