The clinical research on serum cystatin-C alteration on stage II chronic kidney disease with gubenquduyishen decoction treatment

Aim of the study: Gubenquduyishen (GBQDYS) decoction, the modified remedy of a classical Chinese prescription named Liuweidihuang decoction, has been clinically employed to treat nephrotic syndrome and chronic nephritis in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The present study was designed to examine whether GBQDYS decoction has a protective effect on renal function associated with the raised level of cystatin-C (Cys-C), serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and decreased Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in stage-II CKD. Materials and methods: A total of 68 stage-II CKD patients were randomly divided into two groups, the control group and the treatment group who received GBQDYS decoction as an additional therapy supplement. Results: Following up on a period of 48 months, levels of serum Cys-C, Scr, and BUN were significantly reduced by the treatment of GBQDYS decoction and GFR was elevated in the treated group. Whereas not achieved in the control group, suggesting the nephro-protective activity of GBQDYS decoction. Conclusions: Taken together, these results demonstrated that GBQDYS decoction is able to protect renal function by delaying the progression of renal failure, and this may be used as an effective alternative treatment for CKD patients. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.