Objectives The object of this study was to observe the effects of Hyeongbangjihwhang-tang (HB; Soyangin prescription) on the 5/6 NTX induced CRF rats.
Methods Each of Hyeongbangjihwhang-tang aqueous extracts 200㎎/㎏ were orally administered once a day for 35 days from 4 weeks after 5/6 NTX surgery. Four groups, each of 8 rats per group were used in this study, were sham group, CRF group, α-Tocoperol group and HB group. Changes on the left remnant kidney weights, serum BUN, creatinine levels, caspase-3, PARP immunoreactivities were observed to nephroprotective effects, and relative immunomodulatory effects were monitored based on the changes of lymphatic organ weights and splenic cytokine contents. In addition, the changes on the kidney MDA, GSH contents and SOD, CAT activities were also calculated for antioxidant effects, and the effects on the CRF related cachexia were demonstrated based on the changes of body and epididymal fat pad weights, serum TG, TC, LDL and HDL levels.
Results and Conclusions 1) HB was significantly decreased the left remnant kidney weights, serum BUN, creatinine levels and caspase-3, PARP immunoreactivities.
2) HB was significantly increased lymphatic organ weights and splenic cytokine contents.
3) HB was significantly increased body and epididymal fat pad weights, and was significantly decreased serum TG, TC, LDL and HDL levels.
4) HB was significantly decreased MDA contents, and was significantly increased GSH contents and SOD, CAT activities.
The results obtained in this study suggest that HB significantly retarded immunosuppressions and cachexia related to the 5/6 NTX induced CRF through modulations of oxidative defense systems. Especially HB showed the highest favorable effects more than those of α-tocoperol.