[Effect of compound Rhizoma Coptidis capsule on expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 and type IV collagen proteins in renal tissue of diabetic rats with nephropathy].

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of compound Rhizoma Coptidis capsule (CRCC) on diabetic nephropathy in experimental rats.

Method: The rat model of early diabetic nephropathy was induced by injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The rats were divided into 6 groups: normal control group, model group, 3 CRCC treatment groups and XKW treatment group. The fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), insulin (Ins) and urinary protein (Upro) were tested 30 days later. The expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and type IV collagen (IV-C) proteins and the pathological changes in renal tissue of diabetic rats with nephropathy were observed by optical micrography.

Result: CRCC could reduce the levels of FBG, BUN, Cr, Upro and the expression of TGF-beta1 and IV-C proteins, and alleviate pathological lesion in renal tissue of diabetic rats with nephropathy.

Conclusion: CRCC may protect the renal function and slow down the progression of diabetic nephropathy in rats by suppressing the expression of TGF-beta1 and IV-C proteins in renal tissue.