Figure 3.

Schisandrin C promoted the polarization of M1 macrophages toward an M2 phenotype, suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, and induced anti-inflammatory cytokine expression in the right kidneys of DN model mice. DN model mice were treated with saline, Schisandrin C (100 or 200 mg/kg/d), or Metformin (195 mg/kg/d), for 8 weeks. A. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the polarized populations of M1 and M2 macrophages, by quantifying the positive staining (dark brown) against CD86 and CD206, respectively. B. TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β contents were measured, using commercial assay kits. C. IL-10 and TGF-β contents were measured, using commercial assay kits. Data are expressed as the mean ± S.D. ##P < 0.01 vs. control; **P < 0.01, *P < 0.05 vs. model.