Modulating the gut microbiota and inflammation is involved in the effect of Bupleurum polysaccharides against diabetic nephropathy in mice

Dysbiosis of gut microbiota and low grade inflammation has gradually become a highly potential therapeutic agent for diabetic nephropathy (DN). It has been reported that a large number of polysaccharides have positive effects on DN, including Bupleurum polysaccharides. However, the mechanism remained unclear. This study selected two Bupleurum polysaccharides from different origins to investigate the potential relationship between kidney and gut. Diabetic mice model was established by streptozotocin (STZ, 100 mg/kg) and the treatment groups were treated with two Bupleurum polysaccharides (60 mg/kg) for 6 weeks, respectively. The results showed that the administration of Bupleurum polysaccharides ameliorated diabetic nephropathy induced by STZ. Blood glucose, blood creatinine and urine albumin were decreased after the oral administration of Bupleurum polysaccharides. And the dysbiosis of gut microbiota was modulated with higher diversity and gut protective microbiota. The gut barrier was also improved and the expression of inflammatory response both in kidney and colon was reduced. These results provided the evidence that modulating the gut microbiota and inflammation was involved in the effect of Bupleurum polysaccharides against diabetic nephropathy in mice and laid the foundation for the deeper, specific mechanism research on the interaction between kidney and gut.