ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of Shenluotong on the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and extracellular matrix (ECM) in Ang II-induced MCs.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Fibronectin (FN) and collagen type IV (Col IV) of extracellular matrix were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; the expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA were measured by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>A positive correlation between TGF-beta1 and ECM were found in the present study. FN, Col IV and TGF-beta1 mRNA were inhibited by Shenluotong significantly.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Shenluotong can decrease the accumulation of ECM and inhibit the expression of TGF-beta1, suggesting further that shenluotong can be used to prevent and treat various glomerular diseases and delay glomerular sclerosis.</p>