ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Shenshuning Recipe (SR) on the peritoneal function, accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), and the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in the peritoneal fibrosis rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The peritoneal fibrosis correlating peritoneal dialysis SD rat model was induced by injecting erythromycin and peritoneal dialysate. They were randomly divided into 4 groups according to body weight, i.e., the 1.50% peritoneal dialysate group (Group B), the 1.50% peritoneal dialysate + SR group (Group C), the 4.25% peritoneal dialysate group (Group D), and the 4.25% peritoneal dialysate +SR group (Group E), 15 in each group. Besides, another 15 rats was taken as the blank control group (n = 15, Group A). SR at the daily dose of 43.93 g/kg was given to rats in Group C and E by gastrogavage, while equal volume of normal saline was given to rats in other groups by gastrogavage. The changes of glucose in the peritoneal fluid were detected. The ultra filtration volume (UF)and mass transfer of glucose (MTG) were calculated. The pathomorphological changes of the peritoneum were observed. The distribution of collagen fiber, fibroblast count, collagen I (Col I), expressions of TIMP-1 and TGF-beta1 were determined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At the end of the 6th week, statistical difference was shown in UF [(-3.3 +/- 14.2) mL] and [(-2.0 +/- 10.7) mL], MTG [(18.1 +/- 0.8) mmol/kg] and [(16.1 +/- 1.2) mmol/kg], collagen fiber [(4 721.3 +/- 541.0)%] and [(6502.7 +/- 877.4)%], fibroblast [(0.087 +/- 0.010)/mm2] and [(0.131 +/- 0.042)/mm2], Col I [(187.5 +/- 36.9)%] and [(289.7 +/- 95.6)%], TIMP-1 [(2.57 +/- 0.94)%] and [(3.63 +/- 0.29)%], and TGF-beta1 [(104.0 +/- 20.7) ng/L] and [(108.2 +/- 17.5) ng/L] between Group C and Group E, when compared with the peritoneal dialysate group at the same concentration (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SR could postpone the development of peritoneal fibrosis in peritoneal dialysis SD rats possibly through inhibiting expressions of TGF-beta1 and TIMP-1, and hindering the over-accumulation of ECM.</p>