어성초(魚腥草)가 Cationic Bovine Serum Albumin 투여로 유발된 Membranous Nephropathy Mouse Model에 미치는 영향

Effects of the Houttuyniae Herba Extract on the Membranous Nephropathy induced by Cationic Bovine Serum Albumin in Mice

Objective: Membranous nephropathy (MN) is one of the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome in adults. However, there is not a satisfactory treatment for MN. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Houttuyniae Herba Extract (HHE) on MN induced by cationic bovine serum albumin (cBSA). Methods: Mice were divided into 4 groups. The first group, Normal, was injected with saline. The second group, Control, was treated with cBSA (10mg/kg i.p) only. The third group, HHE-250, was treated with cBSA (10mg/kg i.p) and HHE (250mg/kg, p.o). The fourth group, HHE-500, was treated with cBSA (10mg/kg i.p) and HHE (500mg/kg, p.o). After treatment for 4 weeks, we measured change of body weight, 24 hrs proteinuria, serum albumin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, BUN, creatinine, IgA, IgM, IgG, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1${\beta}$ levels and the mRNA expression of IFN-${\gamma}$, IL-6, and IL-10. The morphologic changes of renal glomeruli were also observed with a light microscope and an electron microscope. Results: The levels of 24 hrs proteinuria and serum triglyceride, BUN, IgG, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1${\beta}$ significantly decreased in both HHE groups, while the level of serum albumin significantly increased in both HHE groups. The mRNA expression of IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-6 in splenocytes considerably increased in both HHE groups. The mRNA expression of IL-10 in splenocytes considerably decreased in both HHE groups. In histological findings of kidney tissue, thickening of GBM decreased in both HHE groups. Conclusions: This study shows that HHE might be effective for treatment of acute stage MN. More clinical data and studies are to be done for efficient application.