Objective: To observe the effects of the Zuogui Jiangtang Yishen decoction (ZJYD) on the mRNA expressions of renal transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) of MKR mice with diabetic nephropathy. Method: Sixty MKR mice were divided into 4 groups

the control group

the model group

the ZJYD group (28.8 g·kg-1) and the gliquidone (0.003 9 mg·kg-1) combined benazepril hydrochloride (0.001 3 g·kg-1) group of 15 each according to sex

fasting blood-glucose (FBG) and body weight. Another 15 C57 mice with the same age were assigned to the normal group. The diabetic nephropathy model was induced in mice by mono-nephrectomy and a high-fat diet. Eight weeks after the operation

the drugs were intragastrically administrated to the mice for eight weeks. The levels of FBG were detected by electrochemical method. Serum creatinine (SCr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) were observed by routine biochemistry quantitative assay. The urine microalbminurine (UmALB) was observed by using ELISA. The mRNA expressions of TGF-β1 and CTGF were analyzed by using RT-PCR. The pathological changes in the renal tissues were observed by HE staining and Masson staining. Result: Compared to the control group

the FBS

SCr

BUN and UmALB increased in the model group (P <0.01). Compared to the model group

the FBS

SCr

BUN and UmALB decreased

the mRNA expressions of TGF-β1 and CTGF decreased in the ZJYD group (P <0.01). Moreover

the pathological lesion of renal tissue was improved in the ZJYD group. The curative effects of ZJYD were equivalent to the gliquidone combined benazepril hydrochloridegroup. Conclusion: ZJYD could inhibit the development of renal interstitial fibrosis by down-regulating the mRNA expressions of TGF-β1 and CTGF.