Abstract:

Objective To study the effects of Gubentongluo decoction on transforming growth factor(TGF-β₁)、matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1(TIMP-1) expression in diabetic nephropathy rats. Methods The model of diabetic nephropathy rats was established by unnephrectomized and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ).The rats were divided into six groups randomly, including normal group, model group,western medicine group, Gubentongluo decoction (high, middle, low dosage) groups. The immunohistochemical method was applied to detect the expression of TGF-β₁、MMP-9 and TIMP-1. Results Compared with the model group, the high and middle groups of Gubentongluo decoction significantly lowered the expression of TGF-β₁ and TIMP-1(P<0.05), increased the expression of MMP-9(P<0.01).Conclusion Gubentongluo decoction could significantly inhibit the expression of TGF-β₁,regulating the balance of MMP-9 and TIMP-9, delaying the process of renal pathology in DN rats,having a protective effect on kidney.

Key words: Gubentongluo decoction, diabetic nephropathy, transforming growth factor β₁, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1(TIMP-1), experimental study