Experimental research advances of treating peritoneal dialysis-related peritoneal fibrosis with traditionalChinese medicine

Peritoneal fibrosis is the most common type of peritoneal lesions in peritoneal dialysis (PD)patients. It is characterized by abnormal production of extracellular matrix protein,thickening of peritoneal interstitial connective tissue,damage of peritoneal mesothelial cells and neovascularization. Currently there is no effective therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine offers unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of peritoneal fibrosis. With an excellent clinical efficacy,it has demonstrated some promising results of experimental research. This review summarized the latest advances of animal models,single/compound herbal medications and acupuncture in the treatment of PD. It provided basic theoretical guidance for clinical application of Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of PD-related peritoneal fibrosis.