Jiawei Wumei Wan alleviates renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

In this study, network pharmacological and experimental analyses were implemented to verify the pharmacodynamic effects of Jiawei Wumei Wan (JWWMW) in the treating renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy (DN) and investigate its mechanism of action. Spontaneous type II diabetic mice were used to simulate the clinical DN model. JWWMW improved renal fibrosis in DN mice. Additionally, analyses of the body mass, blood sugar, 24 h urine output of mice, kidney mass, pathological morphology of renal tissues, and biochemical indices showed that JWWMW exerted therapeutic effects. Bioinformatics analyses also predicted that JWWMW may play a role in the biosynthetic process and pathway of lipid and atherosclerosis, as well as a role in the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications. Western blotting results verified the reduction in lipid production after JWWMW treatment. This was facilitated by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway, thus preventing and treating renal fibrosis in DN. This study describes a scientific and theoretical approach to the clinical application of JWWMW.