Therapeutic Mechanisms of Jinshuiqing in IgA Nephropathy: A Transcriptomic Analysis

BACKGROUND This study aims to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of Jinshuiqing (JSQ) in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) using transcriptomic analysis and animal experimentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS Six-week-old male C57BL/6 mice (20±2 g) were divided into 2 groups: IgAN model and JSQ-treated. The IgAN model was induced in SIRT3 knockout mice with acidified BSA, CCl4, castor oil, and LPS injections. The IgAN group received saline, while the JSQ group was treated with JSQ (4 g/kg/day) for 11 weeks. Following euthanasia, kidney tissues were collected for transcriptomic analysis. RNA extraction and sequencing were performed, followed by differential gene expression and pathway enrichment analysis to assess JSQ's effects. RESULTS PCA and correlation analysis showed distinct differences between the JSQ-treated and control groups. Differential gene expression identified 118 genes with significant changes, indicating that JSQ induces transcriptional alterations. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that JSQ affects pathways related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolism, suggesting its potential to improve kidney function and regulate immune responses in IgAN. CONCLUSIONS JSQ treatment modulates gene expression in IgAN mice, influencing pathways linked to inflammation, gut microbiota, and kidney function. These findings provide insight into how JSQ alleviates inflammation and promotes renal health, offering genetic evidence for its therapeutic efficacy in IgAN.