Abstract: Objective: To explore the influence of fermented red ginseng extract (FRGE) in the proliferation of rat glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) and the degradation of extracellular matrix(ECM)under high sugar stimulation, and to clarify the prevention and treatment effects of FRGE on diabetic nephropathy ( DN) and the possible mechanism. Methods: The rat GMCs were cultured and divided into normal concentration of D-glucose (NG) group, high concentration of D-glucose (HG) group and high concentration of D-glucose plus different concentrations (3.75, 7.50, 15.00 mg·L^-1) of FRGE groups. The proliferation rates of rat GMCs were detected with MTT,and the type Ⅳcollagen(Col Ⅳ) levels in supernatants of the GMCs were detected by ELISA. The protein expressions levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) were detected with Western blotting method. Results: Compared with NG group, the proliferation rate of GMCs in HG group was increased(P<0.01), the Col Ⅳ level was increased(P<0.01),the MMP-2 expression level was decreased, and the TIMP-2 expression level was up-regulated(P<0.01). Compared with HG group, the proliferation rates of GMCs in various FRGE groups were decreased(P<0.01), the Col Ⅳ levels were decreased(P<0.01),the expression levels of TIMP-2 were reduced(P<0.01),and the expression levels of MMP-2 were increased(P<0.01). Conclusion: FRGE can inhibit the proliferation of rat GMCs induced by high sugar and promote the ECM degradation to delay the occurrence and development of DN.

Key words: matrix metalloproteinases, fermented red ginseng extract, diabetic nephropathy, cell proliferation, glomerular mesangial cells