Role of Dongchongxiacao (Cordyceps) in prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with stable angina pectoris

ObjectiveTo study the preventative effects of Dongchongxiacao (Cordyceps) on contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP).MethodsOne-hundred and three SAP inpatients were divided randomly into two groups: basic treatment (n=51) and Dongchongxiacao (Cordyceps) treatment (n=52); corbrin capsules (3 g; t.d.s.) were used 3 days before angioplasty and 3 days after angioplasty). Serum creatinine (Scr) was assessed at the time of hospital admission and 1, 2, and 3 days after angioplasty. Values of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and interleukin (IL) 18 in the kidney were detected before angioplasty and 1 day after angioplasty in the patients of both groups. The prevalence of CIN between the two groups was then compared.ResultsCIN occurred in 9 of 103 patients (8.74%). The prevalence of CIN in the Dongchongxiacao (Cordyceps) treatment group was lower than that of the basic treatment group (5.77% vs 11.76%) but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). The post-procedure mean peak of Scr, post-procedure increase in Scr levels from baseline, and urine levels of KIM-1, NGAL and IL18 after the procedure in the Dongchongxiacao (Cordyceps) treatment group were significantly lower than those in the basic treatment group (P<0.05).ConclusionProphylactic treatment with Dongchongxiacao (Cordyceps) in SAP patients who undergo coronary angiography or coronary intervention could prevent contrast-induced renal impairment.