Nephro-protective effect of Kangqianling decoction on chronic renal failure rats

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Kangqianling decoction (KQL), the modified formulation of a classical Chinese prescription named Taohongsiwu decoction, was clinically employed to treat renal fibrosis in chronic renal failure. Aim of the study: The present study was designed to examine whether KQL has a protective effect on renal function in association with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), angiotensin II (Ang II), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in rats with 5/6 renal ablation (Nx)-induced chronic renal failure. Results: In renal function deterioration progression, the high expression of serum creatinine (Scr), 24-h urine protein and systolic blood pressure were markedly (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) restored by KQL, respectively, at 4 and 8 weeks. The increasing expressions of renal Ang II (P < 0.05), angiotensin II1-receptor (AT1R) (P < 0.05), TNF-α (P < 0.05), NF-κB (P < 0.001) and urine TGF-β1 (P < 0.05) were reduced by the treatment of KQL. Immunohistochemical study further confirmed the nephro-protective activity of KQL as compared to the control and Sham group. Conclusions: The results indicate that KQL is able to protect renal function via ameliorating experimental rat renal failure as found in these renal functional parameters. © 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.