ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effects of Shuangdan Mingmu Capsules on the expressions of HIF-1α and NF-κB; To explore its possible mechanism of treatment. Methods SD rats were injected with STZ (50 mg/kg) into the tail vein to induce diabetes mellitus. After the DR model was confirmed by fundus fluorescein angiography, the rats were randomly divided into model group, Shuangdan Mingmu Capsules group and positive medicine group, and normal rats were set as control group. After the last administration, the blood glucose level and retinopathy in rats were measured. The protein and gene expression of HIF-1α and NF-κB in the retina were detected by Western blot and RT-PCR respectively. Results Compared with control group, the blood glucose in the model group was significantly increased; the retinal capillaries increased; the leakage of fluorescein was obvious; the protein and gene expressions of HIF-1α,NF-κB were significantly increased.After administration of Shuangdan Mingmu Capsules,the model rats decreased blood glucose; retinal microvascular volume decreased; fluorescein leakage area was significantly reduced; protein and gene expressions of HIF-1α and NF-κB were decreased. Conclusion Shuangdan Mingmu Capsules can effectively inhibit the neovascularization of DR rats and protect the retina, which may be related to the down-regulation of the expressions of HIF-1α and NF-κB.