ANTAGONISTIC EFFECT OF ASTRAGALUS MONGHOLICUS ON RENAL FIBROSIS IN SD RATS WITH UNILATERAL URETERAL OBSTRUCTION

[Objective]To study the effect of Astragalus mongholicus(AM)on renal fibrosis in SD rats with Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction(UUO),and to explore the molecular mechanisms of AM of anti-fibrosis.[Methods]48 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:sham-operation group(Sham),the UUO group(UUO),UUO + AM group(AM)and UUO + Losartan group(ARB). At 7,14 days after UUO,the dynamic histological changes of renal interstitial tissues were observed. The expression of fibronectin(FN)and collagenⅠ(colⅠ)were measured by immunohistochemistry staining sections. The mRNA of FN and colⅠwere reversed transcribed and quantified by real-time PCR.[Results]Renal damage was exacerbated and the expression of FN and colⅠ were all significantly increased in UUO group compared with those of Sham group(P﹤0.05)at each time point. Tubular lesions and interstitial fibrosis were alleviated,and up-regulations of expressions of FN and colⅠwere significantly suppressed by AM treatment(P﹤0.05),and there were no significant difference between AM and ARB groups(P﹥0.05).[Conclusion]AM can ameliorate renal interstitial fibrosis induced by UUO in rats. The mechanisms of its anti- fibrosis effects may be related with the suppression of the accumulation of extra cellular matrix.