Effects of Danqi Mixture on expression of Snail1 in kidney tissue of diabetic rats

【Objective】 This study aimed at observing the effects of the Danqi Mixture on the expression of Snail1 in the kidney tissue of diabetic rats and exploring the possible mechanism of it's renal protection.【Methods】 Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were divided into normal group(A),diabetic group(B),diabetic group treated with Danqi(C) and Enalapril(D)(n =6).Diabetic rat models were induced using injection of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin(STZ).Rats were sacrificed at the week 12.Blood glucose,serum creatinine,and urine protein were examined by biochemistry methods.The protein expression of Snail1,E-Cadherin,FN in renal tissue were measured using immunohistochemistry.The mRNA level of Snail1 in renal cortex was examined by RT-PCR.【Results】 Comparing to the normal group,the expression of Snail1,FN in renal tissue of diabetic rats treated by Danqi mixture and enalapri increased while the expression of E-cadherin significantly decreased.Comparing to DM untreated group,the expression of Snail1 and FN in DM treated by Danqi mixture and enalapri decreased and expression of E-Cadherin increased.In group C and D,the levels of Snail1 mRNA were down-regulated notably than those in group B.The level of Snail1 protein negatively correlated with that of E-cadherin protein in all diabetic rats.The levels of serum creatinine(Scr) and urinary albumin excretion in group C and D were alleviated comparing to group B.There were no significant different of Snail1 protein or mRNA levels and E-cadherin,FN protein levels between Danqi mixture and enalapri group.【Conclusion】 Danqi mixture could down-regulate Snail1,inhibit the process of EMT and reduce the deposition of FN,there-fore improve injury of diabetic kidney.