Improvement of Huangqi Decoction on Endothelial Dysfunction in 5/6 Nephrectomized Rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endothelial dysfunction is a major factor in the progression of chronic kidney disease, which correlates with oxidative stress and NO deficiency. Huangqi decoction (HQD) is a potential anti-oxidant ingredient in renoprotection. However, the underlying mechanisms remained identified. Therefore, we investigated whether HQD exhibit improvement in endothelial dysfunction in the 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx) rat model. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (180 - 250 g) were divided into sham, Nx and Nx + HQD (0.05, 0.15 and 0.45 g/kg) group, respectively. Renal function and histology were examined with ELISA and Immunohistochemical analysis. Endothelium-dependent relaxation of rat aortas was investigated by isometric tension recordings. Oxidative stress and NO bioavailability were detected by ELISA, DHE-staining, DAF-2 staining and western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with Nx rats, HQD treatment reversed the functional and structural changes of kidney significantly. Besides, endothelium-dependent relaxation of rat aortas was also improved by HQD treatment. NADPH oxidase and ROS generation were inhibited while NO bioavailability was enhanced. CONCLUSION: HQD can act as a potent prescription for the treatment of endothelium related vascular complications.