Abstract: Objective:To investigate the protective effect of Purendan superfine powder (PRD) on the retinopathy of the diabetic rats and its influence in the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway,and to elucidate its mechanism of action. Methods: Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group,model group,low dose of PRD group and high dose of PRD group.After 3 months of administration,the blood sugar levels of the rats in various groups were detected.The expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and angiogenin-2(Ang-2) mRNA in retina tissue of the rats were determined by RT-PCR.The expression levels of advanced glycation end products(AGEs),receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE),NF-κB,VEGF,Ang-2 proteins in retina tissue of the rats were determined by Western blotting method. Results:Compared with normal control group,the blood sugar level,the expression levels of VEGF,Ang-2 mRNA in retina tissue and the expression levels of AGEs,RAGE,NF-κB,VEGF,Ang-2 proteins in retina of the rats in model group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with model group,the blood sugar levels,the expression levels of VEGF and Ang-2 mRNA in retina tissue,and the expression levels of AGEs,RAGE,NF-κB,VEGF,Ang-2 proteins in retina tissue of the rats in low and high doses of PRD group were significantly decreased(P<0.05). Conclusion: PRD may protect the retina of diabetic rats by specifically blocking the AGEs/RAGE/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Key words: diabetes mellitus,experimental, retinopathy, Purendan Superfine Powder, nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway