Effect of Tianqi Injection on the Expression of TGF-β1 and Smads Signal Transmission Path in Rats with Adriamycin-induced Nephropathy

Objective To explore Tianqi injection on the expression and significance of TGF-β1,Smad3 and Smad7 on adriamycin-induced nephropathy in rats.Methods The model of unilateral nephrectomy and adriamycin-induced nephropathy was used.SD rats were randomly assigned to three groups:sham operation group(n=8),model group(n=15),and Tianqi group(n=15).Three groups were killed after eight weeks.The levels of 24 hours urokinase protein,blood urea nitrogen,creatinine,histological and renal pathological changes were examined,and the expression levels of TGF-β1,Smad3 and Smad7 protein in the nephridial tissue were measured.Results Tianqi injection could statistically decrease urine protein excretion and improve the renal function(Bun,Cr).The glomerular sclerosis index and renal interstitial scores of Tianqi group were significantly decreased.The expressions of TGF-β1,Smad3 protein were statistically significant decreased.The expression of Smad7 was statistically significant increased.Conclusion Tianqi injection significantly prevents against renal injury in the rats with adriamycin-induced nephropathy,it may be intervene in the Smads signal pathway by decreasing the expression of TGF-β1 and Smad3 and increasing the expression of Smad7,thus achieve anti-fibrosis.