The Efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine Combined with Huangqi Tablets in the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the effect of hydroxychloroquine combined with Huangqi tablets in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN). METHODS: Eighty patients with DN were enrolled and divided into two groups by a random number table. 27 patients received routine treatment + hydroxychloroquine (group A), while 27 patients received routine treatment + hydroxychloroquine + Huangqi tablets (group B) and 26 patients received routine treatment (group C). RESULTS: FPG, 2h PG, and HbA1c levels as well as TC and TG levels were lower in group B than in groups A and C at the end of 3 months of treatment and were lower in group A than in group C (P < 0.05). SCR, BUN, and 24-hour urine protein were reduced in group B after therapy, whereas eGFR was increased and the difference between groups A and C was significant (P=0.05). After treatment, VEGF, IGF-1, and TGF-1 levels were lower in group B than in groups A and C and in group A than in group C (P=0.05). Total symptom scores at 2, 4, and 6 months after treatment was lower in group B than in groups A and C, and they were lower in group A than in group C at all time points (P < 0.05). The total effective rates of treatment in groups A, B, and C were 66.67%, 88.89%, and 38.46% (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in groups A, B, and C was 37.04%, 25.93%, and 11.54% (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hydroxychloroquine combined with Huangqi tablets in the treatment of DN showed the best efficacy, with better control of blood glucose and lipids, which can more effectively delay the progression of renal lesions and effectively inhibit the expression of VEGF, IGF, and TGF-β1 in tethered cells with high safety.