OBJECTIVETo study the effects of Qiwei Granule (QWG) on the protein and mRNA expressions of renal tissue transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) in KK-Ay mice with spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODSSpontaneous T2DM KK-Ay mice model was adopted. Forty-five male mice were randomly divided into three groups, i. e., the model group, the Chinese medicine group, and the Western medicine group, 15 in each group. Fifteen male C57BL/6J mice were set up as the normal control group. The mice in the Chinese medicine group and the Western medicine group were administered intragastrically with QWG (at the daily dose of 20 g/kg) and valsartan (at the daily dose of 10 mg/kg), and the treatment lasted for 12 successive weeks. The pathological changes of the kidney were observed using HE staining, PAS, and Masson staining. The protein and mRNA expressions of TGF-beta1, were detected using immunohistochemical method and Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR.

RESULTSThe renal pathological changes of mice in the model group showed hypertrophic glomeruli, widened mesenteric matrix, increased mesangial cells, vacuolar renal tubular epithelial cells, tubular ectasia, and foci atrophy. Necrosis was occasionally seen. More protein cast, mesenchymal infiltration of inflammatory cells, and interstitial fibrosis could be seen. The protein and mRNA expressions of TGF-beta1 increased more in the model group than in the normal control group. After treatment by QWG and valsartan, the renal pathological changes were obviously alleviated, and the protein and mRNA expressions of TGF-beta1 were obviously lowered (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONBy inhibiting the protein and mRNA expressions of TGF-beta1, QWG could play a role in preventing and curing diabetic nephropathy.