Abstract:

ABSTRACT Objective: To observe the effect of Norcantharidin (NCTD) on tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in rats of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. Methodology: In Vivo study, the Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to sham-operation, UUO and UUO treated with NCTD groups (each group:n=6). A UUO model was induced in rats by ligation of the left ureter as described. Rats were sacrificed at day 14 after surgery and the obstructed kidneys were harvested and subjected to the studies. The expression of α-SMA, E-cadherin and TGF-β1 were detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and RT-PCR. Results: The expressions of α-SMA and TGF-β1 were increased and the expression of E-cadherin was decreased in the obstructed kidneys compared with the sham-operated kidneys, respectively（P＜0.05）. When compared with the UUO group, the expressions of α-SMA and TGF-β1 were reduced and the expression of E-cadherin was increased in NCTD-treated group respectively (P＜0.05). Conclusion: NCTD could inhibit tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition in rat model of obstructive nephropathy. The effects of NCTD on EMT may be associated with the inhibition of transforming growth factor-β1 overproduction.

Key words: norcantharidin, tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition, , TGF-β1