OBJECTIVE To study the improvement effect and mechanism of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside （TWM） on nephrotic syndrome in rats. METHODS The nephrotic syndrome model was established by intravenous injection of adriamycin via the tail vein. The modeling rats were randomly divided into the model group （distilled water）， prednisone group （10 mg/kg）， and TWM high- and low-dose groups （10 and 5 mg/kg， respectively）. Additionally， blank group （distilled water） without model induction was established. Each group consisted of 9 rats. Rats in each group were administered the corresponding drugs or distilled water by gavage， once a day， for 6 consecutive weeks. The histopathological morphology of kidney tissues in rats was observed； the levels of 24-hour urinary protein （24 h-UTP） and serum biochemical indicators [albumin （ALB）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， serum creatinine （SCr）， cholesterol （CHOL）， and triglyceride （TG）] in rats were determined； the levels of oxidative stress indicators [superoxide dismutase （SOD）， malondialdehyde （MDA）] in kidney tissue of rats were determined； expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α）/microRNA-155-5p （miR-155-5p）/nuclear factor erythriod 2- related factor 2 （Nrf2） signaling pathway-related mRNA and protein in the renal tissues of rats were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group， the rats in the model group exhibited disordered renal tissue structure， with a small amount of glomerular necrosis and edema of the renal tubular epithelial cells. 24 h-UTP， serum levels of SCr， BUN， CHOL and TG， MDA content， mRNA and protein expressions of HIF-1α and Keap1 as well as the expression of miR-155-5p in renal tissues were increased significantly （ P ＜0.05）. Serum level of ALB， SOD level in renal tissue as well as mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 were decreased significantly （ P ＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， TWM high-dose and low-dose groups exhibited significant improvements in renal injury， with notable reversals in the levels of the above quantitative indicators （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS TWM can alleviate oxidative stress-induced damage and thereby improve nephrotic syndrome in rats by regulating the HIF-1α/miR-155-5p/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Formula （益气养阴活血方， YYHF） in the treatment of membranous nephropathy （MN） based on the NOX4-mediated stromal cell-derived factor-1α（SDF-1α）/CXC chemokine receptor 4 （CXCR4） signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 42 male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group （n=6） and modeling group （n=36）. The modeling rats were given a single injection of sheep antirat Fx1A （6 ml/kg） serum into the tail vein to establish MN model. Thirty-six rats with successful modeling were further divided into model group （normal saline， 10 ml/kg）， benazepril group （10 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）， the medium-dose YYHF group （11.0 g·kg^-1·d^-1） and high-dose YYHF group （22.0 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， with 9 rats in each group. All groups received daily intragastric administration for 6 consecutive weeks. During the experimental period， the general condition of rats in each group was observed. After gavage administration finished， a fully automated biochemical analyzer was used to measure the 24-hour urine total protein （24 h-UTP） and serum biochemical parameters， including albumin （ALB）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， serum creatinine （SCr）， total cholesterol （TC）， and triglyceride （TG）. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and periodic acid-silver metheramine （PASM） staining were used to observe the histopathological changes of renal tissues in each group of rats. The levels of superoxide dismutase （SOD） and malondialdehyde （MDA） in renal tissues were detected by ELISA. The protein expression levels of NOX4， SDF-1α， CXCR4， Nrf2， nuclear factor kappa B subunit p65 （NF-κB p65） and podocyte slit diaphragm protein nephrin in rat renal tissues were detected by Western Blotting. The mRNA expressions of NOX4， SDF-1α， CXCR4， Nrf2， NF-κB p65 and Nephrin in renal tissues were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. ResultsCompared to the blank group， rats in the model group exhibited typical features of MN， including lethargy， reduced activity， dull and coarse fur， marked edema， and massive proteinuria. Compared to the model group， these abnormal conditions were improved to varying degrees in all treatment groups. The high-dose YYHF group showed a level of improvement comparable to that of the benazepril group， with overall recovery superior to that of the medium-dose YYHF group. Compared to the blank group， the model group showed increased levels of 24 h-UTP， BUN， SCr， TC and TG， decreased level of ALB， increased levels of MDA and protein and mRNA expressions of NOX4， SDF-1α， CXCR4 and NF-κB p65 in renal tissue， along with decreased levels of SOD and protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2， Nephrin （P＜0.01）， accompanied by severe renal pathological damage. Compared to the model group， the benazepril and the medium- and high-dose YYHF groups showed significant improvements in the above indicators （P＜0.01）， along with alleviation of renal pathological injury. The 24 h-UTP level in the high-dose YYHF group was lower than that in the medium-dose group （P＜0.01）， while no statistically significant difference was observed among the other treatment groups （P＞0.01）. ConclusionYYHF may alleviate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by down-regulating the expression of NOX4 and inhibiting the SDF-1α/CXCR4-Nrf2 signaling pathway， thereby improving podocyte damage and protecting renal function.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the improving effect of Yiqi yangyin huoxue formula on renal injury in immunoglobulin A nephropathy （IgAN） rats， and explore its potential molecular mechanism based on nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 （NEAT1）/receptor of activated C kinase 1 （RACK1）/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 （NLRP3） pathway.METHODS SD rats were divided into blank group and model-establishing group. Rats in the model-establishing group were induced to establish IgAN model by combined treatment of bovine serum albumin， carbon tetrachloride and lipopolysaccharide. Rats with successful model establishment were randomly divided into model group， prednisone acetate group （6.25 mg/kg）， low-dose and high-dose Yiqi yangyin huoxue formula groups （11， 22 g/kg）. Each group was intragastrically administered corresponding drugs or normal saline once a day for 6 consecutive weeks. After the last administration， urinary red blood cell count， 24-hour urinary total protein （24 h-UTP）， serum creatinine （Cr）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， albumin （ALB）， alanine amino-transferase （ALT） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β） levels were detected. Pathomorphological changes of renal tissues and immunoglobulin A （IgA） deposition in glomerular mesangial region were observed. The mRNA expression of NEAT1， as well as mRNA and protein expression levels of RACK1 and NLRP3 in renal tissues were determined.RESULTS Compared with the blank group， the model group presented glomerular mesangial matrix hyperplasia accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration， and extensive renal tubular dilation with focal atrophy. The levels of 24 h-UTP， urinary red blood cell count， serum IL-1β， Cr， BUN， ALT， mean fluorescence intensity of IgA deposition in glomerular mesangial area， mRNA expression level of NEAT1， mRNA and protein expression levels of RACK1 and NLRP3 in renal tissues were significantly increased （ P ＜0.05）， while serum ALB level was significantly decreased （ P ＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， the glomerular structure was basically restored and renal tubular injury was obviously alleviated in low-dose and high-dose Yiqi yangyin huoxue formula groups； all the above quantitative indicators were significantly reversed （ P ＜0.05）.CONCLUSIONS Yiqi yangyin huoxue formula can mitigate the inflammatory response and ameliorate renal injury in IgAN rats， and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NEAT1/RACK1/NLRP3 pathway activity.

Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside,the primary active constituent of the Chinese materia medica of Tripterygium wilfordii,has anti-inflammatory and immune-regulation properties and is widely used to treat kidney and rheumatic and immunological diseases.However,the potential adverse effects of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside on pediatric gonadal development have limited its clinical application in pediatrics.According to the traditional Chinese medicine theory,the reproductive toxicity of Tripterygium wilfordii is closely associated with deficiency in kidney essence and tian gui disorder.Based on the"kidney essence-tian gui"theory,this study elucidates the transformation of"kidney essence to tian gui"through the qi transformation of"original noumenon to supreme ultimate,"which is synergistically regulated by the accumulation of kidney qi,consolidation of spleen qi,and conveyance and dispersion of liver qi.It is channeled through the interconnected pathways of the thoroughfare channel,conception channel,and governor channel.The physiological process of"kidney essence to tian gui"is damaged by the bitter,cold,and toxicity of Tripterygium wilfordii,leading to kidney asthenia,spleen deficiency,liver depression,and meridian stagnation,causing tian gui dysregulation.Therefore,this study offers traditional Chinese medicine prevention and treatment strategies for pediatric medication safety,including nourishing the kidney essence to replenish the tian gui source,enhancing the middle jiao to strengthen the tian gui guard,regulating liver qi to promote the operation of tian gui,and unblocking the thoroughfare channel,conception channel,and governor channel to ensure the unobstructed pathway of tian gui.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of improving renal injury in rats with diabetic nephropathy(DN)by Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Formula.Methods Male SD rats were fed with high-fat and high-sugar diet,combining with a single in-traperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to establish DN model.The rats were divided into the model group,the valsartan group,the equal-dose group of Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Formula(equal-Yi group),and the high-dose group of Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue For-mula(high-Yi group)according to the method of randomized numerical table.The treatment groups were administered by gavage from the tenth week of the modeling period.Levels of 24-hour urinary total protein(UTP),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),serum creatinine(SCr),glucose(GLU),cholesterol(CHOL),and triglycerides(TG)were measured.Serum malondialdehyde(MDA)lev-els were detected by ELISA.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of XBP1,HRD1,Nrf2,SLC7A11,and GPX4 in rat kidney tissues.The qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of XBP1,HRD1,Nrf2,SLC7A11,and GPX4 in rat kidney tissues.HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the kidney tissues of rats in each group.Results Compared with the blank group,rats in the model group showed significantly higher levels of 24h-UTP,BUN,SCr,GLU,CHOL,and TG(all P＜0.01),significantly higher levels of serum MDA(P＜0.01),significantly higher expression of XBP1,HRD1 protein and mRNA in renal tissues(all P＜0.01),significantly lower protein and mRNA expression of Nrf2,SLC7A11,and GPX4(all P＜0.01),and renal pathological damage was severe.Compared with the model group,24h-UTP,BUN,SCr,GLU,CHOL,TG levels were significantly reduced in the valsartan group,equal-Yi group and high-Yi group(all P＜0.01),serum MDA levels were significantly reduced(P＜0.01),XBP1,HRD1 protein and mRNA expressions in renal tissues were significantly reduced(all P＜0.01),Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4 protein and mRNA expression were significantly increased(all P＜0.01),and renal pathology was improved.Conclusion Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Formula may inhibit the occurrence of endo-plasmic reticulum stress,attenuate iron death injury,protect renal function and ameliorate renal injury by regulating XBP1/HRD1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside,the primary active constituent of the Chinese materia medica of Tripterygium wilfordii,has anti-inflammatory and immune-regulation properties and is widely used to treat kidney and rheumatic and immunological diseases.However,the potential adverse effects of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside on pediatric gonadal development have limited its clinical application in pediatrics.According to the traditional Chinese medicine theory,the reproductive toxicity of Tripterygium wilfordii is closely associated with deficiency in kidney essence and tian gui disorder.Based on the"kidney essence-tian gui"theory,this study elucidates the transformation of"kidney essence to tian gui"through the qi transformation of"original noumenon to supreme ultimate,"which is synergistically regulated by the accumulation of kidney qi,consolidation of spleen qi,and conveyance and dispersion of liver qi.It is channeled through the interconnected pathways of the thoroughfare channel,conception channel,and governor channel.The physiological process of"kidney essence to tian gui"is damaged by the bitter,cold,and toxicity of Tripterygium wilfordii,leading to kidney asthenia,spleen deficiency,liver depression,and meridian stagnation,causing tian gui dysregulation.Therefore,this study offers traditional Chinese medicine prevention and treatment strategies for pediatric medication safety,including nourishing the kidney essence to replenish the tian gui source,enhancing the middle jiao to strengthen the tian gui guard,regulating liver qi to promote the operation of tian gui,and unblocking the thoroughfare channel,conception channel,and governor channel to ensure the unobstructed pathway of tian gui.

Objective To explore the mechanism of IgA nephropathy(IgAN)caused by multi-glycosides of Tripterygium wilfordii(GTW)through the regulation of Silent information regulatory factor 1(SIRT 1)/nuclear transcription factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf 2)/antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase 1(HO-1)signaling pathway.Methods Forty-five male SD rats were selected and randomly divided into two groups:the blank group(n=9)and the model group(n=36).In addition to the blank group,the BSA+CCl4+LPS group was used.At the end of 12 weeks,two rats were randomly selected for verification,and the model was successfully established.The 34 model rats were randomly divided into 3 groups:the model group(n=10),prednisone group(n=12),and GTW group(n=12).Urine,blood and kidney tissues were harvested 4 weeks after drug administration.Urinary erythrocyte number,24-h urinary protein quantification(24 h-UTP),alanine transaminase(ALT),serum albumin(ALB),urea nitrogen(BUN),and blood creatinine(SCr)were performed for each group;the protein expression of SIRT1,Nrf2,HO-1 and PINK1 was detected by Western blotting analysis;real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)detection of SIRT1,Nrf2,HO-1 and PINK1 mRNA expression in rat kidney tissue;and detection of IgA deposition in the renal mesangial area by immunofluorescence.Kidney histopathological changes were observed in all the rats by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.Results The results compared with those in the blank group,the urinary red blood cell count and 24 h-UTP,ALT,BUN,and SCr levels were significantly greater(P<0.01);The ALB level was significantly lower(P<0.01);renal tissue SIRT1,Nrf2,HO-1,PINK1 protein and mRNA expression were significantly lower(P<0.01);IgA deposition in the mesentery was obvious;renal pathological damage was severe;and the difference was statistically significant. Compared with those in the model group,urinary red blood cell counts and 24 h-UTP,ALT,BUN,and SCr levels in the prednisone and GTW groups were significantly lower (P<0.01);ALB levels were significantly greater (P<0.01);SIRT1,Nrf2,HO-1,PINK1 protein and mRNA expression were significantly greater (P<0.01);IgA deposition in the mesangial area was reduced,and renal pathology was improved,with statistically significant difference. Conclusions GTW may alleviate oxidative stress injury,protect renal function,and improve renal injury by activating the SIRT 1/Nrf 2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Pediatric lupus nephritis(LN),the most severe visceral complication of systemic lupus erythematosus,is characterized by hematuria,proteinuria,and progressive renal dysfunction.It typically presents with an insidious onset,rapid progression,a prolonged disease course,and an unfavorable long-term prognosis.Currently,no consensus exists on the etiology,pathogenesis,or diagnostic-treatment framework for pediatric LN.Based on clinical experience,the proposed core pathogenesis involves"latent pathogens in the triple energizer membrane system with deficiency-induced toxin activation."This mechanism entails the intermingling of heat and blood stasis,forming pathogenic factors that lodge within the triple energizer membrane system.In states of healthy qi deficiency,internal and external factors interact,allowing pathogenic toxins to damage the viscera via the triple energizer membrane network,ultimately targeting the kidneys.The disease progression is classified into three distinct phases.In the latent pathogen phase,internal or external pathogens accumulate in the triple energizer membrane system.Treatment emphasizes pathogen elimination,heat clearance,and healthy qi preservation.In the active renal involvement phase,latent pathogens rapidly disseminate systemically via the membrane network,destabilizing renal essence and causing micro-substance leakage.Treatment focuses on toxin resolution,stasis dispersion,membrane regulation,and renal stabilization.During the triple energizer residual phase,incomplete restoration of healthy qi permits the persistence of dormant pathogens,predisposing to reactivation.Therapeutic focus during this phase includes qi consolidation to restore primordial essence,residual pathogen clearance,and mitigating disease recurrence to delay chronic renal deterioration.This phase-specific differentiation-treatment strategy aims to address disease complexity while optimizing therapeutic outcomes through targeted interventions.

Pediatric lupus nephritis(LN),the most severe visceral complication of systemic lupus erythematosus,is characterized by hematuria,proteinuria,and progressive renal dysfunction.It typically presents with an insidious onset,rapid progression,a prolonged disease course,and an unfavorable long-term prognosis.Currently,no consensus exists on the etiology,pathogenesis,or diagnostic-treatment framework for pediatric LN.Based on clinical experience,the proposed core pathogenesis involves"latent pathogens in the triple energizer membrane system with deficiency-induced toxin activation."This mechanism entails the intermingling of heat and blood stasis,forming pathogenic factors that lodge within the triple energizer membrane system.In states of healthy qi deficiency,internal and external factors interact,allowing pathogenic toxins to damage the viscera via the triple energizer membrane network,ultimately targeting the kidneys.The disease progression is classified into three distinct phases.In the latent pathogen phase,internal or external pathogens accumulate in the triple energizer membrane system.Treatment emphasizes pathogen elimination,heat clearance,and healthy qi preservation.In the active renal involvement phase,latent pathogens rapidly disseminate systemically via the membrane network,destabilizing renal essence and causing micro-substance leakage.Treatment focuses on toxin resolution,stasis dispersion,membrane regulation,and renal stabilization.During the triple energizer residual phase,incomplete restoration of healthy qi permits the persistence of dormant pathogens,predisposing to reactivation.Therapeutic focus during this phase includes qi consolidation to restore primordial essence,residual pathogen clearance,and mitigating disease recurrence to delay chronic renal deterioration.This phase-specific differentiation-treatment strategy aims to address disease complexity while optimizing therapeutic outcomes through targeted interventions.

Objective To explore the mechanism of IgA nephropathy(IgAN)caused by multi-glycosides of Tripterygium wilfordii(GTW)through the regulation of Silent information regulatory factor 1(SIRT 1)/nuclear transcription factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf 2)/antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase 1(HO-1)signaling pathway.Methods Forty-five male SD rats were selected and randomly divided into two groups:the blank group(n=9)and the model group(n=36).In addition to the blank group,the BSA+CCl4+LPS group was used.At the end of 12 weeks,two rats were randomly selected for verification,and the model was successfully established.The 34 model rats were randomly divided into 3 groups:the model group(n=10),prednisone group(n=12),and GTW group(n=12).Urine,blood and kidney tissues were harvested 4 weeks after drug administration.Urinary erythrocyte number,24-h urinary protein quantification(24 h-UTP),alanine transaminase(ALT),serum albumin(ALB),urea nitrogen(BUN),and blood creatinine(SCr)were performed for each group;the protein expression of SIRT1,Nrf2,HO-1 and PINK1 was detected by Western blotting analysis;real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)detection of SIRT1,Nrf2,HO-1 and PINK1 mRNA expression in rat kidney tissue;and detection of IgA deposition in the renal mesangial area by immunofluorescence.Kidney histopathological changes were observed in all the rats by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.Results The results compared with those in the blank group,the urinary red blood cell count and 24 h-UTP,ALT,BUN,and SCr levels were significantly greater(P<0.01);The ALB level was significantly lower(P<0.01);renal tissue SIRT1,Nrf2,HO-1,PINK1 protein and mRNA expression were significantly lower(P<0.01);IgA deposition in the mesentery was obvious;renal pathological damage was severe;and the difference was statistically significant. Compared with those in the model group,urinary red blood cell counts and 24 h-UTP,ALT,BUN,and SCr levels in the prednisone and GTW groups were significantly lower (P<0.01);ALB levels were significantly greater (P<0.01);SIRT1,Nrf2,HO-1,PINK1 protein and mRNA expression were significantly greater (P<0.01);IgA deposition in the mesangial area was reduced,and renal pathology was improved,with statistically significant difference. Conclusions GTW may alleviate oxidative stress injury,protect renal function,and improve renal injury by activating the SIRT 1/Nrf 2/HO-1 signaling pathway.