Rhein ameliorates inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and renal injury in obesity-related glomerulopathy mice.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG) lacks targeted therapies. Rhein, a bioactive anthraquinone from Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, was evaluated for its effects on inflammation, renal function, and gut microbiota in high-fat diet-induced ORG mice.

Methods

C57BL/6J mice were fed a 60% fat diet for 12 weeks to establish ORG, followed by 300 mg/kg/day rhein free intake for 12 weeks. Serum cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), renal histopathology, and 16S rRNA microbiome sequencing were analyzed.

Results

Rhein significantly reduced body weight (P < 0.001), serum triglycerides (P < 0.01), and proteinuria (P < 0.001), while improving glomerular lesions. It also markedly lowered serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and creatinine. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that rhein restored gut microbio

SUBMITTER: Xu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12712377 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature