Effects of Huangqi Liuyi Decoction in the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy and Tissue Distribution Difference of its Six Active Constituents Between Normal and Diabetic Nephropathy Mouse Models

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Huangqi Liuyi decoction extract (HOD) on diabetic nephropathy (DN), and the tissue distribution difference of six main active ingredients of HOD between normal and DN mouse models. DN mice were administered HOD for 12 weeks to investigate its efficacy in the treatment of DN. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass-spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was used to analyze the tissue distribution of the six active ingredients of HOD in normal and DN mice, including astragaloside IV, calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, calycosin glucuronide, ononin, formononetin, and glycyrrhizic acid. DN mice treated with HOD showed significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (FBG), 24-h urinary protein (24 h U-Alb), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), and triglyceride levels (TG) (p < 0.05). Moreover, there were no significant differences in pharmacodynamics between HOD and Huangqi Liuyi decoction. Treated mice also had decreased expression of collagen I, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), and vimentin; and upregulated expression of E-cadherin in their kidneys. Compared to normal mice, distributions of the six ingredients in the liver, heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys, stomach, small intestine, brain, and muscle of DN mice were different. The results indicated that the HOD could be used for the treatment of DN and to improve renal function. The pathological state of diabetic nephropathy may affect tissue distribution of HOD active ingredients in mice.

Automated summary

The study aimed to investigate the effects of HOD on diabetic nephropathy and the tissue distribution of its active ingredients in normal and DN mouse models. Treatment with HOD in DN mice led to improved renal function and decreased key markers of DN. The tissue distribution of HOD active ingredients differed in mice with DN compared to normal mice, indicating a potential impact of the pathological state of diabetic nephropathy.