Objectives To study the prevention effects of cordyceps sinensison contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) in stable angina pectoris patients.

Methods One hundred and threestable angina pectoris inpatients were randomly divided into two groups, basic treatment group (n = 51) and cordycepssinensis treatment group (n = 52, corbrin capsule 3g, 3 times/d were used three days before angioplasty and three days after angioplasty). Serum creatinine (Scr) was assessed at the time of hospital admission and on days 1, 2, and 3 after angioplasty. The values of urine kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil-gelatinase-associate-lipocalin (NGAL) andinterleukin-18 (IL-18) were detected before angioplasty and one day after angioplasty in patients of two groups. Then contrast the incidence of CIN between two groups.

Results CIN occurred in 9 (8.74%) of the 103 patients. The incidence of CIN in cordyceps sinensis treatment group was slightly lower compared with basic treatment group (5.77% vs 11.76%) but without significant difference (P > 0.05). The post procedure mean peak ofScr, the post procedure increasing Scr from baseline and urine KIM-1, NGAL, IL-18 levels after procedure in cordyceps sinensis treatment group were significantly lower than those in basic treatment group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions Prophylactic treatment with cordyceps sinensis in stable angina pectoris patients who undergo coronary angiography or intervention could effectively prevent contrast-induced renal impairment. It is worth further studies.