Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of neferine (Nef) on oxidative stress and its mechanism. Methods NRK-52E cells (normal rat kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells) were cultured in vitro and divided into six groups: control group, Mannitol group, high-glucose group (HG), HG+Nef group, zinc protoporphyrin IX group (ZnP) and HG+Nef+ZnP group. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8. The expressions of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and p67 were detected by Western blot. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by DCFH-DA probes. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured by TBA and the activity of HO-1 was measured by TBIL. Results Compared with the control group, the oxidative stress indexes p67, ROS and MDA were increased, but the cell viability was decreased in the HG group (P < 0.05). Compared with the HG group, the expression and activity of HO-1 and cell viability were increased, but the expression of p67 and the levels of ROS and MDA were decreased in the HG+Nef group (P < 0.05). The effect of neferine mentioned above was reduced in the HG+Nef+ZnP group, compared with the HG+Nef group (P < 0.05). Conclusions Neferine attenuates oxidative stress injury in NRK-52E cells by inducing HO-1 expression and increasing its enzymatic activity.