13^th World Nephrology Conference

Focal segmental glomerulous sclerosis (FSGS) is a common, difficult to treat glomerular disease that can eventually lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Its pathogenesis is not entirely clear, and treatment methods remain controversial. Many studies have shown that podocyte injury at different stages is a key event of FSGS pathology. Consequently, protecting injured podocytes has become a key aspect of current FSGS treatments. The podocyte is an intrinsic, highly specialized kidney cell with limited regenerative ability. It is difficult for the podocyte to repair itself and proliferate when it is damaged or reduced. Podocyte mutations, and changes in their numbers and distribution can cause structural changes and induce albuminuria and glomerular sclerosis. Treatment of FSGS using western medicine does not result in a cure, it is expensive, and there are serious side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine could offer an effective way to treat FSGS. Daningused Bushenhuoxue to treat and cure renal diseases; Bushenhuoxue comprises greater than ten kinds of Chinese herbal medicines that promote blood circulation and Qi, remove blood stasis, and tonify the kidney. We focused on desmin, nephrin and wt1 expression in podocytes of FSGS mice, and their regulation by Bushenhuoxue. We also sought to elucidate the protective mechanisms of  Bushenhuoxue on injured podocytes.