OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect and acting mechanism of Bushen Huoxue Recipe (BHR) on the state of extracellular matrix in glomerulosclerosis (GS) rats model.

METHODSGS rat model was established by unilateral nephrectomy and adriamycin injection. Model rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the normal control group, the model group, the test group treated by BHR, and the positive control group treated with fosinopril sodium, with 11 rats in each group. The 24 h urinary protein and renal function of rats were observed, the contents of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) in renal tissue and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in blood plasma, and renal tissue were detected.

RESULTSCompared with those in the normal control group, 24 h urinary protein was increased and renal function was deprived in the model group; TIMP-1 expression increased, MMP1 expression decreased in renal tissue of rats in the model group, showing statistical difference between groups (P < 0.05). As compared with the model group, the abnormal changes of TIMP-1 and MMP1 expressions were ameliorated in the two groups treated either by BHR or fosinopril (P < 0.05). The content of TGF-beta1 in the model group, either in blood or in renal tissue, was significantly higher than those in the normal control group respectively (P < 0.01), showing no significant change after BHR treatment.

CONCLUSIONThe protective effect of BHR on renal function in rats with GS is possibly by way of influencing expressions of TGF-beta1, TIMP-1 and MMP1 to regulate the state of extracellular matrix and lessen the matrix aggregation.