The effects of different doses of butylphthalide on Nrf-2 expression in mouse model with unilateral ureteral obstruction / 天津医药

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the impact of different doses of butylphthalide on renal interstitial fibrosis in mice with obstructive nephropathy, and to discuss the correlation between Nrf-2 expression level and renal interstitial fibrosis. Methods Totally 72 male CD-1 mice of clean grade were selected and randomly assigned into 4 groupssham operation group (Sham), model group (UUO), low dose of butylphthalide group (NBPL) and high dose of butylphthalide group (NBPH). In addition to the control group, UUO model was established in other three groups. NBPL group was given NBP 150 mg/(kg· d) by gavage since postoperative day 1,NBPH group was given NBP 220 mg/(kg·d) by gavage. Sham group and UUO group were given equal volume of saline by gavage. Six mice were sacrificed at the third, 7th, 14th day, respectively. The obstructive renal tissue was selected for immunohistochemical staining and Western blot assay. The expression levels of Nrf- 2 and type Ⅰ collagen were detected by Western blot assay. Results The IOD value of type Ⅰ collagen was increased with time in UUO group, and which showed a gradual decreasing trend in Sham group, NBPL group and NBPH group (P<0.05). The IOD values at different time points were significantly higher in UUO group, NBPL group and NBPH group compared to those of Sham group. The IOD values were significantly decreased in NBPL and NBPH groups than that of UUO group, and IOD value was lower in NBPH group than that of NBPL group (P<0.05). Western blot assay showed that IOD values of Nrf-2 and type Ⅰ collagen at 7 d and 14 d were increased in UUO group, NBPL group and NBPH group compared with those of Sham group. The IOD values of Nrf-2 protein were increased, and IOD values of type Ⅰcollagen were decreased, in NBPL group and NBPH group than those of UUO group. The IOD value of Nrf-2 protein was decreased in NBPL group than that of NBPH group, but the IOD value of type Ⅰcollagen was increased in NBPL group than that of NBPH group (P<0.05). Conclusion NBP can improve renal interstitial fibrosis in UUO mice, which may be related with the increased expression of Nrf-2 and the down-regulated expression of type I collagen.