Mechanism research of italicKangxianling Formula/italic （抗纤灵方） in regulating P53/GPX4 pathway to inhibit renal fibrosis in rats

Key Points

• This research investigates the mechanism through which Kangxianling Formula improves renal fibrosis in a rat model.
• Divided rats into groups: sham surgery, model, losartan, low-dose, and high-dose Kangxianling Formula groups.
• Established renal fibrosis models through a 5/6 nephrectomy protocol, except for the sham group.
• Assessed various biochemical markers and renal pathology after 12 weeks, including serum creatinine and protein levels, as well as protein expression using immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and RT-qPCR.
• Compared to the sham group, significant increases in serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, protein levels, malondialdehyde, and markers of fibrosis (P < 0.01).
• The activity of total superoxide dismutase and expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 were notably decreased (P < 0.01).
• Histopathological examination showed clear signs of tubular dilation, glomerular sclerosis, collagen deposition, and inflammatory cell infiltration. The treatment significantly reversed these changes, particularly in the high-dose group (P < 0.01).