Objective:To investigate the effects of Tanshinone IIA on peritoneal fibrosis in a PD animal model. Methods: Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10 per group) that received daily intraperitoneal injection of saline, 4.25% glucose-based peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF), or PDF along with 50 or 100 mg/L Tanshinone IIA. Eight weeks later, the rats were sacrificed and peritoneal tissue samples were collected for analysis. The expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in parietal peritoneum was examined by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β1 and CTGF in omentum was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. Results:Tanshinone IIA significantly suppressed submesothelial compact zone thickening and matrix accumulation induced by 4.25% glucose-based PDF. Tanshinone IIA also reduced TGF-β1 and CTGF expression in parietal peritoneum as well as in omentum in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion:Tanshinone IIA prevented the progression of peritoneal fibrosis in this rat model. Tanshinone IIA may be a novel therapy for peritoneal fibrosis in patients undergoing long-term PD. |