Shen-yan-yi-hao oral solution ameliorates IgA nephropathy via intestinal IL-17/NF-κB pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevance Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis in the world, it is one of the most common causes of kidney disease and can lead to end-stage kidney disease, however, its pathogenesis is still complicated. The Shen-yan-yi-hao oral solution (SOLI) is an effective prescription for the clinical treatment of IgAN while its specific mechanism remains to be further elucidated. Aim of the study This study investigates SOLI’s effects on IgAN in rats, particularly on the intestinal mucosal barrier, and identifies potential therapeutic targets through network pharmacology and molecular docking, validated experimentally. Materials and methods Target genes for SOLI in IgAN were identified and analyzed through molecular docking and KEGG pathway enrichment. An IgAN rat model examined SOLI’s effect on renal biomarkers and cytokines involved in specific pathways, ileum mucosal lesions, and the intestinal immune system. The IL-17 pathway’s role was studied in IEC-6 cells with SOLI in vitro. Result Rats developed increased proteinuria and kidney damage marked by IgA deposition and inflammation. SOLI treatment significantly ameliorated these symptoms, reduced galactose-deficient Ig A1 (Gd-IgA1), and decreased cytokines like IL-17, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β etc. SOLI also normalized intestinal tight junction protein expression, ameliorated intestinal damage, and regulated intestinal immune response (focused on IL-17/NF-κB signal pathway). SOLI moderated the abnormally activated IL-17 pathway, which damages intestinal epithelial cells, suggesting IgAN treatment potential. Conclusion SOLI reduces proteinuria and enhances intestinal mucosal function in IgAN rats, kidney protection in the IgAN rat model may initiate from modulating the intestinal IL-17/NF-κB pathway and subsequent Gd-IgA1 accumulation.