Effects of Huaiqihuang on Proteinuria and Nephrin, Podocin in Rats With IgA Nephropathy

Abstract

Objective To observe effects of huaiqihuang on proteinuria in rats with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and dynamic changes of expression and distribution of nephrin, podocin, and to further explore the mechanism of proteinuria of IgA nephropathy and try to find the approach to the therapy for IgA nephropathy. Methods A total of 24 Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats with 6 weeks (n=24) were randomLy divided into 3 groups: Control group (n=8), model group (n=8) and huaiqihuang group (n=8). IgA nephropathy model was induced by the improved method of bovine serum albumin (BSA)+ carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)+ lipopolysaccharide (LPS). At the end of the experiment, hematuria, proteinuria and renal pathology should be noticed. The IgA intensity was examined by direct immunofluorescence. The protein expression and distribution of nephrin and podocin were examined by indirect immunofluorescence. The mRNA expression of nephrin and podocin were examined by real–time PCR. Results ① The count of urinary red cells and urinary protein in huaiqihuang group were significant less than those of model group (P 0.05), but were still higher than those of control group. In huaiqihuang group, and mRNA of nephrin and podocin expressed markedly higher than those of model group (P<0.01). ④Abnormal discontinuous distribution of nephrin and podocin in huaiqihuang group was slighter than that in model group. Conclusion Huaiqihuang is good for decreasing urinary protein by regulating the expression and distribution of nephrin and podocin. Key words: huaiqihuang; IgA nephropathy (IgAN); proteinuria; nephrin; podocin