Inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signal pathway is involved in the effect of Cordyceps sinensis against renal fibrosis in 5/6 nephrectomy rats

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Cordyceps sinensis on renal fibrosis and its possible mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation (SHAM) group, 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy (SNx) untreated group, and 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy treated with C. sinensis (2.0 g/kg d) (CS) group. Rats were studied 12 weeks after the surgery, and the CS group presented with significantly lower proteinuria, and better renal function compared with the SNx group ( p C. sinensis treatment. In constrast, the mRNA and protein expression of Smad7 was upregulated. Furthermore, the expression of α-SMA and FSP1 was also significantly attenuated, accompanied by the increasing expression of E-cadherin, suggesting the inhibition of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). In conclusion: C. sinensis exerted its antifibrotic effect on the SNx rats through the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.