Effects of Astragalus on Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 and NF-κB in Diabetic Nephropathy Rats

Objective: To investigate the expression of COX- 2 and NF- κB in renal tissues of diabetic nephropathy rats and the effects of Astragalus on them. Methods: SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group,diabetic nephropathy group,Astragalus- treated group. The levels of serum creatinine,urea nitrogen and 24- hour urine protein excretion were measured by Biochemistry 12 weeks later. The expression of COX- 2 and NF- κB in the renal tissues were measured by using immunohistochemical staining,Western blotting and polymerase chain reaction methods. Results: The expression of COX- 2 and NF- κB were significantly elevated in the diabetic nephropathy group as compared with normal control group( all P 0. 01). Astragalus could significantly decrease the expression of COX- 2 and NF- κB as compared with diabetic nephropathy group( all P 0. 01). Conclusion:COX- 2 may play an important role in the pathogenesis and pathological process of diabetic nephropathy. The protective effect of Astragalus maybe mediated by down- regulating the expression of COX- 2 in renal tissues of diabetic nephropathy rats.