Abstract: Objective: To investigate the effect of icariin combined with embryonic stem cells on the renal epithelial cells in the contrast-induced nephropathy(CIN) rats and its possible mechanism, and to provide experimental evidence for clinical application of icariin. Methods: Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into,control group, model group, icariin group, stem cell group and combination group(n=10).The rat models were established by tail vein injection of INDO, L-NAME and diatrizoate. The serum creatinine (Scr) levels of the rats were detected before and after modeling.The expressions of p38MAPK and caspase-3 mRNA and protein were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting method. The apoptotic rate of renal epithelial cells was detected by flow cytometry. Results: The levels of Scr of rats were significantly increased 48 h after combination contrast agent injection, suggesting that the CIN models were successfully set up.Compared with model group,the Scr level of the rats in group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). compared with model group the expression levels of p38MAPK and caspase-3 mRNA and protein in icariin group and stem cell group and in combination group were decreased (P<0.05).The apoptotic rate of renal epithelial cells in combination group was significantly lower than those in icariine and stem cell groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Icariine combined with embryonic stem cells has a protectice effect on the renal epithelial cells in the CIN rats, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the related factors in the apoptosis pathways.

Key words: icariin, embryonic stem cells, contrast-induced nephropathy, kidney epithelial cells, apoptosis