Effect of Safflower on tubular epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation in renal interstitial fibrosis rats

Objective To observe the effect of Safflower on tubular epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation in renal interstitial fibrosis rats induced with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Methods Renal interstitial fibrosis rats induced with UUO were given orally Safflower(4.0 g·kg-1·d-1) and Valsartan (10 mg·kg-1·d-1) respectively. The marker of epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation α-smooth muscular actin (α-SMA) and collagen Ⅲ were examined by immunohistochemical method and in situ hybridization. Results The positive area and density ofα-SMA and collagen Ⅲ in UUO rats increased markedly than those in sham operation group and could be inhibited by Safflower and Valsartan. Conclusions Safflower can antagonize renal interstitial fibrosis by inhibition of epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation.