OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Cordyceps Sinensis (CS) and Tripterygium wilfordii Polyglycosidium (TWP) on the podocytes in rats with diabetes nephropathy (DN).

METHODSRat models of DN were established and rats were randomly divided into the normal control group (Group A), the DN group (Group B), the CS group (Group C), the TWP group (Group D), and the CS combined TWP group (Group E). The changes of 24-h urinary protein count (24-h pro), blood glucose (Glu), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), white blood cell (WBC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and kidney weight/body weight (KW/BW) were determined 12 weeks later. The renal pathological changes were evaluated by HE staining. The microstructural changes of podocytes were observed by transmission electron microscope. The expressions of nephrin and podocin were detected by immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTSCompared with Group A, the levels of SCr and BUN were higher (P < 0.05), Glu, KW/BW, and 24 h pro were obviously higher in Group B (P < 0.01). There were less glomerular disorder, chronic tubulointerstitial damage and glomerular podocyte lesion in Group B. The expressions of the massive cortical nephrin and podocin protein were obviously less in Group B. Compared with Group B, the KW/BW and 24 h pro in Group C, D, and E were lower (P < 0.01). The pathomorphological improvement was exhibited in the glomerulus, tubules, and podocytes. The protein expressions of nephrin and podocin were higher in the renal cortex. Compared with Group C, the KW/BW and 24-h pro decreased in Group D and E, the expressions of nephrin and podocin were enhanced, and the lesions of the glomerulus, tubules, and podocytes were alleviated, showing statistical difference (P < 0.01). The most significant changes happened in Group E.

CONCLUSIONSCS and TWP could alleviate the DN proteinuria, protect and repair podocytes of DN rats. Its mechanisms might be correlated with up-regulating the expressions of nephrin and podocin. The combined use of CS and TWP could increase the efficacy and attenuate adverse reactions of TWP.