Objective: To explore whether the renal protective effect of Tangshen'an is related to the activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway

the role of anti-oxidative stress and reduction of inflammatory response. Method: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:normal group

model group

Tangshen'an low

middle and high dose groups

and irbesartan group. Their drug-containing serum was prepared from each group. The serum of normal group was added into mesangial cells cultured in normal concentration of glucose

and the serum from other 5 groups was respectively added into the mesangial cells cultured in high concentration of glucose. The mRNA and protein expression levels of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream factor γ-glutamylcysteinesynthetase(γ-GCS) were detected by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot respectively. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the supernatant of each group were detected by ELISA. Result: As compared with the model group

the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2 and γ-GCS were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01)

and the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased (P<0.01) in various treatment groups. Conclusion: Tangshen'an can activate Nrf2/ARE pathway

decrease oxidative stress

reduce inflammation

and eventually achieve the role of renal protection.