Influence of Bushenhuoxue on podocytes of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis mice

ObjectiveTo observe the effects and mechanisms of Bushenhuoxue on desmin and nephrin expression in mice podocytes, and to investigate its effects on wt1 expression in Wilms' tumor.MethodsAdriamycin (ADR) was used to induce focal segmental glomerulous sclerosis (FSGS) in mice. Bushenhuoxue was used to treat FSGS for 6 weeks. We measured body mass and right renal mass, and determined serum albumin (ALB) levels, protein content in urine, and urinary protein and albumin creatinine ratio (UACR). Changes in renal tissue morphology were evaluated by microscopy. wt1 and nephrin expression in podocytes were detected using immunofluorescence. Expression levels of desmin, wt1 and nephrin mRNAs in renal tissue were determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays.ResultsProtein levels in urine and UACR were significantly increased in FSGS model mice compared with Bushenhuoxue-treated and control mice. Body mass and ALB levels were decreased in FSGS mice compared with control and Bushenhuoxue-treated mice. Expression of the wt1 protein was observed in control mice. Compared with controls, wt1 expression levels were reduced in Bushenhuoxue-treated mice, and to a greater extent in FSGS mice. Nephrin protein expression was widespread in FSGS mice, and significantly reduced in control and Bushenhuoxue mice. Expression levels of wt1 and nephrin mRNAs in FSGS mice were lower compared with those in control and Bushenhuoxue-treated mice. Desmin mRNA levels in FSGS mice were reduced compared with those in control and Bushenhuoxue-treated mice.ConclusionBushenhuoxue ameliorated albuminuria in FSGS mice; this was possibly related to the up-regulation of wt1 and nephrin, and down-regulation of desmin.