DefinePK

Abstract

Background and Objective: ShenSu III decoction (SSD), a Chinese herbal medicine formulation has demonstrated beneficial effects in decreasing the severity of proteinuria; however, the potential underlying mechanisms are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of SSD on glomerular endothelial cell (GEC) injury induced by angiotensin II (Ang II). Materials and Methods: Mouse GECs were divided into control group, Ang II group, Ang II+Hirudin group, Ang II+Benazepril group and Ang II+SSD group. Permeability of GECs in each group was measured by fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled bovine serum albumin. The expression levels of angiopoietin 2 (Ang2), tyrosine protein kinase receptor 2 (Tie2) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) were determined by real-time PCR and western blot. Cell cycle was examined by flow cytometry. Results: The SSD significantly reduced Ang II-induced apoptosis and permeability of GECs (p<0.05). These protective effects were attributed to the down regulation of enhanced Ang2, Tie2 and up regulation of decreased VEGFR2 both induced by Ang II. Conclusion: The present results indicated that SSD attenuates apoptosis and permeability of GECs through the regulation of Ang2, Tie2 and VEGFR2 expression to protect against Ang II-induced injury.