The effect of root of rhododendron on the activation of NF-κ B in a chronic glomerulonephritis rat model

Abstract

Objective We have explored the role of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) in the pathogenesis of chronic glomerulonephritis, and investigated the effect of rhododendron root on the activation of NF-κB . Methods Thirty-six Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: a control group, a glomerulonephritis model group and a therapy group(glomerulonephritis animals treated with the root of rhododendron). Bovine serum albumin(BSA) nephritis was induced by subcutaneous immunization and daily intraperitoneal administration of BSA. Twenty-four-hour urinary protein and serum creatinine values were measured, and renal pathology was assessed histologically by optical microscopy and electron microscopy. NF-κB activity was determined by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA). Results Compared with the control rats, glomerulonephritis model rats exhibited a significant increase in both 24 h urinary protein and serum creatinine, and had abnormal renal histology. The administration of the root of rhododendron ameliorated these changes. NF-κB activity in glomerulonephritis model group was greater than that in rhododendron-treated group, and NF-κB activity was greater in both glomerulonephritis groups than in the control group( P < 0.01). Conclusion These observations suggest that NF-κB plays a role in the pathogenesis of chronic glomerulonephritis, and rhododendron root may attenuate renal damages by downregulating the activation of NF-κ B in this model.