Therapeutic effects and mechanistic insights of YiQiHuangDou decoction on high-fat diet-induced obesity-related Glomerulopathy (ORG) in mice

Yiqiheidou (YQHD) decoction has been traditionally used for treating Obesity-Related Glomerulopathy (ORG), known for its benefits in nourishing kidneys, strengthening Qi, and invigorating the spleen. This study aims to explore the mechanisms of YQHD's effects on ORG using a combination of animal models, UHPLC-OE-MS/MS, network pharmacology, and molecular docking techniques. UHPLC-QE-MS/MS identified key bioactive components in YQHD, including fatty acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and conjugates. Network pharmacology and molecular docking revealed that YQHD may alleviate renal dysfunction in ORG by modulating oxidative stress, inflammatory factors, and apoptosis. A high-fat diet-induced obesity-related renal injury mouse model was used. Following YQHD treatment, ORG mice showed significant improvements in body weight, renal histopathology, renal function, blood lipids, glucose, insulin, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress markers. These findings suggest that YQHD could mitigate lipid-induced renal injury and slow ORG progression by modulating key cellular pathways, including oxidative stress and NF-κB-mediated inflammation. • YQHD significantly improved body weight, renal function, and blood lipids in ORG mice. • UHPLC-OE-MS/MS identified key YQHD compounds, mainly fatty acids, flavonoids, alkaloids. • Network pharmacology suggests YQHD modulates oxidative stress and inflammatory factors. • YQHD may counter ORG progression by targeting NF-κB, apoptosis, and inflammation pathways.