ABSTRACT
This study was aimed to investigate the effect of Rheum tanguticum on expression of serum endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), endothelin (ET) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-Keto-PGF1α) in uric acid nephropathy rat model. After 3 weeks of treatment with different extractions of Rheum tanguticum on uric acid nephropathy rat model, levels of serum BUN, Cr and UA were measured by biochemical analyzer. ELISA method was used to measure the expression of serum eNOS, ET and 6-Keto-PGF1α. Meanwhile, pathological changes of renal tissues were observed by light microscope. The results showed that compared with the normal control group, the levels of serum BUN, Cr, UA and renal index were higher in the model group (P< 0.05). Compared with the model group, the concentration of eNOS in the model group was obviously higher in the rhubarb ethanol extraction group, rhubarb water extraction group, and allopurinol group (P< 0.05). Concentration of ET was obviously reduced in the rhubarb water extraction group and allopurinol group (P< 0.05). There was no statistical difference with the rhubarb ethanol extraction group. There was no significant difference in the concentration of 6-Keto-PGF1α among groups. Lots of inflammatory cells and uratic crystallization were observed by light microscope in renal tissues among rats in the model group. Damages of renal tissues in medication groups were alleviated than the model group. It was concluded that Rheum tanguticumcan alleviate the damage of uratic crystallization and inflammatory cell infiltration, increase the concentration of serum eNOS, and decrease the concentration of serum ET. Thus, it can reduce the damage of renal endothelial cells and protect renal functions. The effect of rhubarb ethanol extraction on reducing ET expression was less than the water extraction.
ABSTRACT
10.3969/j.issn.1008-9691.2013.03.007