ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effects of Yishen Tongluo Decoction (YTD) on the renal mRNA expression of transforming growth factor-β1 ( TGF-β1) and collagen Ⅳ ( ColⅣ) in membranous nephropathy ( MN) rats. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, benazepril group (in the dosage of 10 mg·kg-1·d-1) , YTD group ( in the dosage of 20 g·kg-1·d-1) . The rats in various groups were given intragastric administration of corresponding agents. At the end of the fourth week, 24-hour urinary protein quantity, albumin ( ALB) , total protein ( TP) , triglyceride ( TG) , total cholesterol ( TC) , blood urea nitrogen ( BUN) , and creatinine (Cr) levels were observed. The mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1 and ColⅣ in renal tissue of rats were detected by immunofluorescence method, electron microscopy and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results In the model group, urinary protein quantity in rats was increased, serum levels of TP and ALB were significantly lowered, serum levels of TC and TG were significantly increased, renal pathological changes were present, and mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1 and ColIV in renal tissue were up-regulated (P0.05) . Conclusion The therapeutic mechanism of YTD for MN is probably related with the inhibition of mRNA expression of TGF-β1 and ColⅣin renal tissue.