The Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Inflammatory Cytokines in Diabetic Nephropathy: The Progress in the Past Decades

Current research has revealed that inflammation as the cardinal pathophysiological mechanism in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Diverse inflammatory cytokines interact with each other and together with other mechanisms; result in the progression of DN. It is now widely accepted that many inflammatory cytokines, such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-18, etc. are involved in the pathogenesis and development of DN. Published articles reported that a large number of single Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and their extracts could confer benefits to DN by regulating inflammatory cytokines; such as Astragalus, Danshen Root, Szechuan Lovage Rhizome, Kudzuvine Root, Common Threewingnut Root, etc. TCM formulae also could regulate inflammatory cytokines in DN; such as Buyang Huanwu Decoction, Fufang Danshen Diwan, Bushen Tongluo Formular, etc. This is usually associated with improved kidney histomorphology, proteinuria and renal function parameters in DN. Although some researches concerning TCM for inflammatory cytokines in DN are in-depth, most researches, if not all, are still very superficial. The signaling pathways and underlying mechanisms of TCM affecting inflammatory cytokines remain unclear. Although there are many shortcomings in this field, it is still fortunate that the experimental renobenefits of TCM can be translated for human into clinical treatment. This indicates new, effective and promising therapeutic drugs.

Keywords: Diabetic nephropathy, Diabetes Review, Inflammatory Cytokines, TCM Formulae, Traditional Chinese Medicine.