Abstract: Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of Jinqi Jiangtang tablet on the activation of T helper type 17 (Th17)and the expressions of interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-23 in kidney of diabetic rats. Methods A total of 45 male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (NC, n=15) and experimental group (n=30). Diabetes was induced by tail vein injection with streptozotocin (STZ, 45 mg/kg). The well-established 28 diabetic model rats were then randomly divided into diabetes group (DM, n=14) and Jinqi Jiangtang tablet administration group (Jinqi, n=14). The rats in Jinqi group were given Jinqi Jiangtang tablet solution by gavage at a single dose of 2.1 g·kg-1·d-1 for 18 weeks, while NC group and DM group were given 0.9% NaCl in the same way. All rats were sacrificed after 18 weeks. The circulating Th17 frequencies were assessed using flow cytometry. Serum IL- 17 and IL- 23 levels were measured by enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay. The pathological changes in kidney were studied by electron microscope. The expressions of IL- 17 and IL-23 in kidney were detected using immunohistochemistry. Results (1) Compared with the group NC, the circulating Th17 frequencies were significantly increased in group DM and group Jinqi. The circulating Th17 frequencies were significantly lower in group Jinqi than those in group DM. (2) Compared with the group NC, the serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels were significantly increased in group DM and group Jinqi. The serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels were significantly lower in group Jinqi than those in group DM. (3) In group DM, irregular thickening of glomerular basement membrane, fusion of epithelial cell foot processes and mesangial expansion were observed by electron microscope. The above-mentioned pathological changes were improved in the group Jinqi. (4) Compared with the group NC, the expressions of IL-17 and IL-23 in the renal cortex were significantly increased in group DM and group Jinqi, and those were significantly lower in group Jinqi than those in group DM.Conclusion The activation of Th17 and the increased expressions of IL-17 and IL-23 in kidney play a potential role in diabetic nephropathy. Jinqi Jiangtang tablet can improve diabetic nephropathy through inhibiting the activating Th17 and decreasing the expression of IL-17 and IL-23 in kidney.

Key words: diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathies, interleukin-17, interleukin-23, Jinqi Jiangtang tablets, Th17