ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects of triptolide on kidney of IgA nephropathy(IgAN)rats and its relationship with NLRP3 inflammasome.

MethodsForty SPF SD male rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, low-dose triptolide group and high-dose triptolide groups.The IgAN rat model was established by oral bovine γ-globulin(BGG)for 8 weeks and intravenous injection of BGG, and treated with intragastric administration combined with low- and high-dose triptolide for 8 weeks.The levels of creatinine(Scr), urea nitrogen(BUN), total protein(TP), albumin, alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), 24 h urinary protein(24 h TUP), TNF-α, IL-17A, IFN-γ and IL-4 were detected in four groups.The deposition of IgA and expression levels of IL-1β, Caspase-1, IL-18 and NLRP3 in renal tissue were observed.

ResultsCompared with the model group, the levels of serum Scr and BUN, and 24 h TUP significantly decreased in triptolide group(P < 0.05 to P < 0.01).The triptolide could decrease the levels of serum TNF-α, IL-17A, IFN-γ, and IL-4(P < 0.05 to P < 0.01), reduce the deposition of IgA(P < 0.01), and inhibit the expression of IL-1β, Caspase-1, IL-18 and NLRP3(P < 0.05 to P < 0.01).

ConclusionsThe protective effects of triptolide on IgA nephropathy may be related to the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome for suppressing the renal inflammatory response.