Effect and mechanism of italicZuogui Pill/italic （左归丸） on skin barrier function in offspring rats with congenital kidney deficiency

Key Points

• The study aims to investigate how Zuogui Pill affects skin barrier function in offspring of rats with congenital kidney deficiency.
• Used CUMS stress method to simulate pregnancy stress in female rats.
• Developed a congenital kidney deficiency model in offspring rats.
• Measured skin stratum corneum moisture content with a multifunctional skin tester.
• Used Masson staining to observe collagen content in skin tissue.
• Examined AQP3 and FLG protein expression through immunohistochemistry and WB methods.
• No significant differences in skin moisture content among groups.
• Congenital kidney deficiency group showed significantly lower collagen content (P<0.01).
• AQP3 protein levels were significantly higher (P<0.01) while FLG expression was significantly lower (P<0.01).
• MMP-1 and MMP-3 protein levels were significantly elevated (P<0.01).
• Zuogui Pill treatment increased collagen and FLG levels and decreased AQP3, MMP-1, and MMP-3 expressions significantly (P<0.01).