Effects of modified Huangqi Chifeng decoction on the IL-17 signaling pathway in an IgA nephropathy rat model

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is an immune-related primary glomer-ular disease prevalent worldwide, with complicated clinical manifestations and an unclear pathogenesis. IgAN is the main cause of chronic renal failure and places a significant burden on patients and society. The modified Huangqi Chifeng decoction (MHCD) is an effective prescription for the clinical treatment of IgAN while its specific mechanism remains to be further elucidated. Aim of the study: Based on the findings of previous network pharmacology-related method-based studies, this study aimed to further explore the mechanism of action of MHCD for IgAN treatment. Materials and methods: IgAN rat model was established by bovine serum protein + carbon tetrachloride + lipopolysaccharide. After successful modeling, the rats in the original model group were divided into 5 group: model group, telmisartan group, and MHCD high-, medium-and low-dose groups by random number table (n = 10 respectively). The corresponding drugs were applied for 8 weeks, and the experiment lasted for 21 weeks. At the end of the experiment, 24h urine protein quantification, serum biochemistry and IL-6 and IL-17A levels were measured. The pathological changes of kidney were observed by light microscope, immunofluorescence mi-croscope and the changes of glomerular ultrastructure were observed by transmission electron microscope. The expression levels of IL-17 signaling pathway related proteins (HSP90, MMP9, NF-kappa B P65 and p-NF-kappa B P65) were detected by Western Blot and immunohistochemistry. Result: Telmisartan and MHCD treatment can reduce the 24h urinary protein level and improved blood stasis states of IgAN rats, alleviate the renal pathological injury, decrease the serum levels of IL-6, IL-17A and the expression levels of HSP90, MMP9 and p-NF-kappa B P65 related proteins in IL-17 signaling pathway. Conclusion: MHCD can down-regulate the expression of IL-17 signaling pathway-related factors in IgAN model rats, improve the state of blood stasis, and alleviate the pathological damage of kidney in rats.

Automated summary

Based on animal experiments, this study found that the modified Huangqi Chifeng decoction (MHCD) has therapeutic effects on immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), including reducing urine protein levels, improving renal pathological injury, and reducing inflammation levels. This finding contributes to further understanding the mechanism of action of MHCD for IgAN treatment.