ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is characterized by the deposition of thylakoid Gd-IgA1 and progresses to kidney dysfunction and failure. Thousands of years ago, Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat kidney diseases. The total flavonoid (TFA) of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic is the main active ingredient of the medicine, which is known to have therapeutic effects on kidney diseases. However, the mechanism of action is still not further explored.
AIM OF STUDY:We aim to reveal the targets and potential mechanisms of TFA through comprehensive proteomics and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), and to provide new ideas for the treatment of IgAN.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:In this study, we constructed a model of IgA nephropathy in rats and evaluated the efficacy of TFA in the IgAN model by assessing renal function, renal Gd-IgA1/IgA and serum markers. Integrated proteomics and WGCNA analysis identified core targets associated with TFA, and target validation was performed by immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS:Kidney function (Scr, PCR, BUN) and serum markers (TGF-β1, TNF-α, BAFF, MCP-1) were significantly reduced after TFA treatment. Proteomics identified 2,757 differential expressed genes (DEGs). WGCNA highlighted four key modules associated with TFA effects. Six core targets (C1QBP, CYC1, Phab, VDAC2, CDH2, Dbn1) were validated by immunohistochemistry, confirming their roles in TFA renoprotection.
CONCLUSION:Induction of rat IgAN model, proteomics and WGCNA analyses demonstrated that TFA improves renal function, reduces histopathological damage and modulates inflammation. These findings further elucidate the treatment mechanism of TFA and provide new insights into the treatment of IgA nephropathy.