Effect of astragalus membranaceus on HGF by renal interstitial fibroblasts in the high glucose

Objective: To examine high glucose inducing the expression of HGF and TGF-β(3 in human kidney fibroblast, at the same time studying the mechanism of astragalus membranaous postponing the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Methods: In this study, we used a cell culture system of human kidney fibroblast to test the effects of glucose on expression of HGFJGF-β by RT-PCR. At the same time, examining the expression of TGF-β in the exogenous HGF and levels of HGF treating with the astragalus membranaous. Results: The cells grown in the high glucose concentration express higher HGF than the cells grown in the normal glucose. The expression of TGF- β was significantly increased. TGF-βmRNA levels were lower in experimental group with HGF than those in control group. After treating with astragalus membranaous, levels of HGF were increased. Conclttsion: These results suggest that HGF is a potent anti-fibrogenic factor. By inducing the expression of HGF, astragalus membranaous can postpone the progression of diabetic nephropathy.