Effect of Gypenosides on Expression of Connective Tissue Growth Factor(CTGF) in UUO Rats with Renal Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis

Objective:To investigate the expression CTGF in rats with renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and the effects of Gypenosides treatment on CTGF protein production.Methods:Rat unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO) model was used for the study. The expression of CTGF,TGF-β_1,α-SMA in the obstructed kidneys was assessed by RT-PCR,immunohistochemistry and HE staining after 9 days. At the same time,the degree of tubulointerstitial damage was scored by Masson staining. Results:The levels of CTGF,TGF-β_1 and α-SMA in the UUO group significantly increased compared to the sham-operated group(P0.01)and paralleled with the degree of tubulointerstitial damage. In comparison with the model group, the levels of CTGF and expression of TGF-β_1,α-SMA were significantly reduced by Gypenosides treatment. The protein level of CTGF had positive correlation with the index of TGF-β_1(r=0.879,P0.01),α-SMA (r=0.940,P 0.01) and tubulointerstitial damage(r=0.756,P0.01).Conclusion:Gypenosides can suppress development of fibrosis, at least in part via down-regulating CTGF expression.