The effect of root of rhododendron on the activation of NF-κB in a chronic glomerulonephritis rat model

Objective:We have explored the role of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) in the pathogenesis of chronic glomerulonephritis,and investigated the effect of rhododendron root on the activation of NF-κB . Methods: Thirty-six Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: a control group,a glomerulonephritis model group and a therapy group(glomerulonephritis animals treated with the root of rhododendron). Bovine serum albumin(BSA) nephritis was induced by subcutaneous immunization and daily intraperitoneal administra-tion of BSA. Twenty-four-hour urinary protein and serum creatinine values were measured,and renal pathology was assessed histologi-cally by optical microscopy and electron microscopy. NF-κB activity was determined by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA). Results:Compared with the control rats,glomerulonephritis model rats exhibited a significant increase in both 24 h urinary protein and serum creatinine,and had abnormal renal histology. The administration of the root of rhododendron ameliorated these changes. NF-κB activity in glomerulonephritis model group was greater than that in rhododendron-treated group,and NF-κB activity was greater in both glomerulonephritis groups than in the control group(P < 0.01). Conclusion:These observations suggest that NF-κB plays a role in the pathogenesis of chronic glomerulonephritis,and rhododendron root may attenuate renal damages by downregulating the activation of NF-kB in this model.