Salvianolic acid B attenuates renal fibrosis in rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction

Abstract Background: Renal fibrosis is the most common pathological type in the development of chronic kidney disease, in which oxidative stress plays an important role. Nuclear factor E2 related factor 2(Nrf2) is an important transcription factor to regulate oxidative stress response. In this article we investigated antioxidant salvianolic acid B(SAB) on oxidative stress induced renal fibrosis targeting Nrf2. Methods: 45 rats aged 7-8 weeks were divided into control group, unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO) group and SAB group. Salvianolic acid B was used to treat rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction until the seventh day after operation. The degree of renal tubular injury and fibrosis were observed by histopathological examination. Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1) were detected to evaluate the degree of renal fibrosis and oxidative stress. Results: Salvianolic acid B could reduce renal tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis in UUO rats. Salvianolic acid B increased HO-1, NQO-1 and the nuclear expression of Nrf2, however the expression of total Nrf2 protein and Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1(Keap1) were not affected. Conclusion: Salvianolic acid B may reduce oxidative stress and renal interstitial fibrosis through Nrf2 nuclear translocation.