AIM: To investigate the effects of reinforcing yang from yin of a traditional Chinese patent medicine called YouguiWan for PI3K/Akt pro-survival signal channel in diabetic retinopathy rat.

METHODS: A total of 80 SPF SD rats were selected, 10 rats were selected to set up normal group. The remaining 70 rats were given streptozotocin(60mg/kg)peritoneal injection combined with intravitreal injection of VEGF(0.05μg)to establish proliferative diabetic retinopathy rat model. After the model successful, the rats were divided into four groups: YouguiWan high dose group, YouguiWan middle dose group, YouguiWan low dose group and model group. The treatment groups were fed daily YouguiWan concentrate, model group and the normal group received daily doses of distilled water. After intragastric administration for 3mo, the PI3K, Akt expression of retinal tissue were observed by SP-immunohistochemistry and Western-blot method respectively.

RESULTS: Immunohistochemical observation showed PI3K, Akt expression immunohistochemical staining, were brown particles on the retina. Normal PI3K, Akt expression weakly positive immunological reaction unit located in the ganglion cell layer. The kernel was also a small amount of expression. Model group, each YouguiWan treatment group rat retinal ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer and the inner and outer layer of the particles had a positive expression. Compared with the model group, YouguiWan high dose group PI3K, Akt expression were decreased. YouguiWan low dose group decreased expression was not obvious. Compared with the low dose group, YouguiWan high dose group PI3K, Akt expression was decreased. The expression of the strength of the YouguiWan, high dose group showed no significant difference. Western-blot test results showed that compared with the normal group, model group, treatment group, the expression difference was statistically significant(P<0.01). Model group, treatment group, PI3K, Akt protein levels were significantly increased. Compared with the model group, the YouguiWan high-dose group was statistically significant(P<0.05). YouguiWan high dose group PI3K, Akt protein expression were decreased, YouguiWan low dose group was no significant difference(P>0.05). Compared with the low dose group, YouguiWan high-dose group was statistically significant(P<0.05). YouguiWan high dose group PI3K, Akt expression levels were decreased. YouguiWan high dose group was not statistically significant difference(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Reinforcing yang from yin of YouguiWan can affect PI3K, Akt protein expression and inhibit PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, delay the disease process of diabetic retinopathy, propose new ideas and scientific basis for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and blindness prevention treatment.