Effect of Tang-Nai-Kang on Trans-differentiation of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell in KKAy Mice / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

ABSTRACT

This study was aimed to explore the effect of Tang-Nai-Kang (TNK) on trans-differentiation of renal tubular epithelial cell in KKAy mice in order to discuss the possible mechanism. Fifty 12-week-old male KKAy mice were randomly divided into the model group, valsartan group, TNK high-dose, middle-dose and low-dose group, with 10 rats in each group. Ten C57BL/6J mice were used in the normal group. Rats in the model group and normal group were given 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Rats in other groups were given the corresponding drugs. After 8 weeks of gavage administration, kidneys of all mice were sampled and given Mosson and PAS dyeing. Expression distribution of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and E-cadherin in kidney tissues were observed under immunohistochemical staining. Expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was measured by western blot. The results showed that compared with the normal group, the area of renal fibrosis in the model group was significantly increased (P < 0.01); the expression of α-SMA was stronger; and the expression of E-cadherin was weaker. Compared with the model group, the area of renal fibrosis in the valsartan group, TNK high-dose, middle-dose and low-dose groups were significantly decreased (P< 0.01); the expression of α-SMA was weaker (P< 0.01);and the expression of E-cadherin was obviously increased (P < 0.05). The TGF-β1 expression in the model group was significantly higher than that in the normal group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the TGF-β1 expression in the valsartan group, TNK low-dose, middle-dose and high-dose groups were significantly lowered (P<0.01). And the TGF-β1 expression in the TNK high-dose group was even lower than that in the valsartan group. It was concluded that TNK was able to suppress the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cell, and lessen the renal tubule interstitial fibrosis, in order to protect the kidney.