Jiawei Shengjiangsan's Effect on Renal Injury in Diabetic Nephropathy Mice is Investigated via the PI3K/Akt/NF-[kappa]B Signaling Pathway

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the intervention mechanism of Jiawei Shengjiangsan (JWSJS) on kidney injury in diabetic nephropathy mice. Methods: Thirty 8-week-old db/db mice were randomly divided into five groups: model group, Perindopril group, and JWSJS low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (n=6 per group) based on body weight. Additionally, a blank control group was established consisting of 6 db/m mice aged 8 weeks. The blank and model groups received daily intragastric administration of 7g/kg/d pure water. The remaining groups were assigned to JWSJS low (3.5g/kg/d), medium (7g/kg/d), high (14g/kg/d) dosage groups, and perindopril positive control group (0.48mg/kg/d) for 12 weeks. Post-experiment, serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were analyzed using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured 24-hour urinary albumin, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), TNF-[alpha], IL-1[beta], VCAM-1, MCP-1, and HbA1c. Western blot assessed the protein expressions of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-NF-[kappa]B p65, while pathological kidney changes were observed. Results: Compared to the blank group, the model group exhibited increased SCr, BUN, 24-hour urinary albumin, serum NGAL, TNF-[alpha], IL-1[beta], VCAM-1, MCP-1, HbA1c, p-PI3K, and p-Akt, alongside increased p-NF-[kappa]B p65 expression, indicating significant kidney pathology. After treatment, the JWSJS group showed decreased SCr, BUN, 24-hour urinary microalbumin, NGAL, HbA1c, TNF-[alpha], IL-1[beta], VCAM-1, MCP-1 levels, increased p-PI3K and p-Akt expression (P