Prevention Of Experimental Cyclosporin A-induced Chronic Nephrotoxicity By Matrine

Objective: Cyclosporine A (CsA) is one of the most widly used immunosuppressive drug currently in oragn transplatation. However the use of CsA is limited by severe side effects, mainly chronic nephrotoxicity. The mechanisms underlying chronic CsA nephrotoxicity are not full understood. Present studies have shown the predominant factors include activation of intrarenal rennin-angiontesin system ( RAS ) , reactive oxygen speices ,increased release of endothelin-1, upregulation of transforming growth factor- β (TGF- β ) and osteopontin (OPN), dysregulation of nitric oxide (NO) , activation of nuclear factor kappaB (NF- κ B), aptopsis and so on. Resent study suggest that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) play an important role in the development of CsA induced nephrotoxicity. Matrine, an alkaloid found in traditional Chinese medicine Kushen, shows pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammation, immuno-inhibition, anti-fibrosis and anti-arrhythmia , While its effect on chronic CsA nephrotoxicity is unknow. This study aimed to investigate the renal protective effects of matrine and and the possible mechanism.