Abstract：Objective: Transforming growth factor(TGF-β1) in diabetic nephropathy renal tissue of rats by α-lipoic acid on expression of connective tissue growth factor(CTGF), to study the delay of the role and mechanisms of renal fibrosis, to provide experimental basis for the prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy. Methods: Fifty healthy SD rats were divided randomly into 5 groups: normal control group，model of diabetes group，α-lipoic acid 15,30,60 mg/(kg·d) dose group. STZ single injection of 60 mg/kg in the lower left abdominal rat model of diabetes. α-lipoic acid is low, medium and high dose groups, respectively, 15,30,60 mg/(kg·d) orally for 12 weeks. Detected in each group of blood glucose, kidney weight index, and had the preparation of kidney paraffin sections, to determinate glomerular volume(MGA) and calculate the average glomerular volume(MGV). Fasting blood glucose was detected before the end of the experiment with SureStep Plus; HE staining under the light microscope was performed to observe the changes in glomerular volume, glomerular basement membrane; renal tissue TGF-β1 and CTGF expression was detected by immunohistochemical method. Results: Compared with normal group, blood glucose in diabetic rats was significantly increased; blood glucose in α-lipoic acid treatment group was significantly reduced compared with the diabetic group; In diabetic model rats, kidney weight index was significantly increased, light microscopy showed that glomerular volume of rats in diabetic model group increased significantly, mesangial widening the capillary lumen pressure, glomerular basement membrane thickening, renal tissue TGF-β1 and CTGF protein expression was decreased; diabetic model group MGA and MGV expanded significantly, compared with the treatment group there were varying degrees of narrowing. Conclusion: α-lipoic acid to play its anti-fibrosis by inhibiting the renal tissue of TGF-β1 and CTGF expression, and delaying the development of diabetic rat kidney fibrosis.
2012, Vol. 22 
