Effect of Shen-qi-di-huang decoction on reducing proteinuria by preserving nephrin in adriamycin-induced nephropathy rats

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Shen-qi-di-huang decoction on reducing proteinuria and to discuss the mechanism of its action in Adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy rats. The rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=12 each group): normal control (group A); ADR model control (group B); ADR + Shen-qi-di-huang decoction (group C). In group B and C, the rats were intravenously injected with ADR (6.5mg/kg). The rats in group C were orally administrated with Shen-qi-di-huang decoction after the injection of ADR. On day 7, 14, 28, 56 after ADR injection, 24h urine protein was detected. On day 28, 56 after ADR injection, ALB, ALT, serum creatinine (Scr) and BUN were examined. The morphological changes of the kidneys were observed by light microscope and electron microscope on day 28, 56 after ADR injection. The expression of nephrin was determined by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR on day 28, 56 after ADR injection. Compared with group B, 24h urine protein and Scr decreased in group C on day 56 (P<0.05). The expression of nephrin determined by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR increased in group C on day 28, 56 (P<0.05). The morphology observed by light microscope and electron microscope improved in group C on day 28, 56. Shen-qi-di-huang decoction decreases proteinuria, protects kidney function, and ameliorates histopathology in ADR-induced rats by preserving nephrin expression.