Effect of Jiawei Tangzhiqing granules on JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway and Th17/Treg ratio in diabetic nephropathy mice

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Jiawei Tangzhiqing granules on JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and Th17/Treg ratio in diabetic nephropathy (DN) mice. Methods: Selected 60 male SPF C57BL/6N mice, divided into control group and DN model group; the latter was further further split into model control, Western medicine group, and three Jiawei Tangzhiqing granule groups (high, medium, and low doses). Treatments were administered orally for 12 weeks. Key health indicators and renal tissue pathology were analyzed. Th17 and Treg levels in CD4+ T cells were quantified, and JAK2 and STAT3 protein expression in renal tissues was determined via Western blot. Results: Model group showed a significant decrease in body weight and increases in 24-h urine volume, food, and water consumption compared to the control group. Th17 cell count increased, and Treg cell count decreased, leading to a higher Th17: Treg ratio. Conversely, Jiawei Tangzhiqing granules reduced this effect dose-dependently, with the highest dose being more effective than irbesartan. JAK2 and STAT3 protein expressions, elevated in model group, were significantly reduced in the granule-treated groups. Conclusion: Jiawei Tangzhiqing granules alleviate renal damage in DN by suppressing JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and correcting the Th17: Treg ratio imbalance. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for these granules in managing DN. There is a need to find out if there is a correlation between Th17/Treg balance and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.