Effects of Salvia miltiorrhizae on ICAM-1, TLR4, NF-kappaB and Bax proteins expression in multiple organs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis or obstructive jaundice

Research trends on traditional Chinese medicine and acute pancreatitis: A bibliometric analysis from 2007 to mid-2023

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a unique medical system of historic significance, holding substantial influence within China and beyond. In recent years, the efficacy of TCM in treating acute pancreatitis has been substantiated. Despite over two decades of development in this domain, a bibliometric analysis illustrating TCM's role in acute pancreatitis remains scarce.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of findings in the field of acute pancreatitis and TCM using machine learning and text-analyzing methodologies. The intent is to provide scientific and intuitive support to researchers and clinicians.

METHODS

We searched the Web of Science Core Collection database for publications and related literature from 2007 to mid-2023. Tools such as Excel, Citespace V, and Vosviewer were utilized for bibliometric analysis. That included assessing published and cited counts, co-authorship mapping, co-citation analysis, burst detection, and keyword analysis.

RESULTS

The study revealed a fluctuating growth trend in the number of publications and citations since 2007. As many as 147 institutions from 13 countries, with a total of 756 authors, have published 202 papers in 76 academic journals. Sichuan University in China and Tang Wenfu have been recognized as the most influential national institution and author. The most frequently published journal is "Pancreas", while the most cited is the "World Journal of Gastroenterology". Commonly used single herbs in this field include Baicalin, Emodin, Rhubarb, and Salvia miltiorrhizae. Frequently used herbal formulations include Da chengqi decoction, Chaiqin chengqi decoction, and Qing yi decoction. Current research hotspots primarily surround concepts like hmgb1, nf-kappab, nfr2, oxidative stress, exosomes, nlrp3, pyroptosis, etc. Potential future research themes could relate to pharmacology, reducing hmgb1, inflammatory response, cell activation, Qing Yi-decoction, etc. This review holds significant guiding importance for clinical and scientific research into TCM treatment for acute pancreatitis in the future.

The Role of Gut Microbiota in the Progression of Parkinson's Disease and the Mechanism of Intervention by Traditional Chinese Medicine

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common degenerative disease of the nervous system that seriously affects the quality of life of the patients. The pathogenesis of PD is not yet fully clear. Previous studies have confirmed that patients with PD exhibit obvious gut microbiota imbalance, while intervention of PD by regulating the gut microbiota has become an important approach to the prevention and treatment of this disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been shown to be safe and effective in treating PD. It has the advantages of affecting multiple targets. Studies have shown TCM can regulate gut microbiota. However, the specific mechanism of action is still unclear. Therefore, this article will mainly discuss the association of the alteration of the gut microbiota and the incidence of PD, the advantages of TCM in treating PD, and the mechanism of regulating gut microbiota by TCM to treat PD. It will clarify the target and mechanism of TCM treating PD by acting gut microbiota and provided a novel methodology for the prevention and treatment of PD.

Traditional Chinese patent medicine Zhixiong Capsule (ZXC) alleviated formed atherosclerotic plaque in rat thoracic artery and the mechanism investigation including blood-dissolved-component-based network pharmacology analysis and biochemical validation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chinese patent medicine Zhixiong Capsule (ZXC) is the equal mixture of the extract of leech, Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Leonurus japonicus Houtt., and Pueraria lobate (Willd.) Ohwi, which have been long used against inflammation, hyperlipidemia or blood stasis. In our previous study, ZXC showed good efficacy in preventing atherosclerosis (AS) plaque formation in rabbits.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In actual clinic practice, patients are more likely to receive treatments after AS plaque formation. Therefore, the efficacy of ZXC on formed AS plaques and the underlying mechanisms were further investigated in this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Simvastatin (positive control) and ZXC (420 mg/kg and 840 mg/kg) were administrated to rats which first received long-term high fat diet administration (12 weeks). The blood lipid profiles of rats were monitored during the whole experiment, and the thoracic arteries were collected at the end of experiment for AS assessment (18th week). The blood-dissolved ZXC components were determined using an UPLC-QTOF-MS method, and the attained components were then used for network pharmacology analysis to predict the key ZXC components and targets. At last, the predicted targets were validated by ELISA and western blot methods.

RESULTS

ZXC administration showed good blood lipid-lowering effect by significantly reduced LDL-C and TC levels in rats while significantly increased HDL-C level. Compared with model group, simvastatin, low- and high-dose of ZXC administration decreased the ratio of intimal area and medial area by 81.1%, 71.1% and 71.4%, respectively (p < 0.01), and significantly alleviated collagen deposition and mineralization in rat arteries. It was found by network pharmacology analysis that leech and four components (namely daidzein, 4-methylenemiltirone, isorhamnetin and 2-isopropyl-8-methylphenanthrene-3,4-dione) are vital components for the anti-AS efficacy of ZXC. Combing the results from biochemical validation, IL-4, IL-13, MAPK1, MAPK14, JUN and P53 were confirmed as key targets of ZXC.

CONCLUSION

It could be concluded that ZXC has value as an anti-AS agent in clinical treatment against formed AS plaque at the current application dosage.

Fuzheng Huayu Capsule Attenuates Hepatic Fibrosis by Inhibiting Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells

Aim

To investigate the mechanisms of Fuzheng Huayu (FZHY) Capsule in the treatment of hepatitis B (HBV)- associated fibrosis, HBV patients were divided into two groups, 50 cases were in the nucleotide analogues (NAs) group, while additional 50 cases were in the NAs + FZHY group.

Methods

We assessed the curative effects of antifibrosis through liver function, FibroScan test, and liver biopsy and detected the ratio of lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood lymphocyte and CD8⁺T, CD4⁺T, and natural killer cell subsets collected from patients were cocultured with LX-2 cells. Activation of LX-2 cells, production of the extracellular matrix, apoptosis, and proliferation of LX-2 cells were determined. Chronic liver injury models were established by ConA treatment.

Results

It is evident that FZHY treatment significantly increased the percentage of NK cells, the rate of death, and apoptosis of LX-2 cells and decreased the FibroScan liver stiffness measurement value. The expressions of α-SMA and procollagen type I mRNA in LX-2 cells of the FZHY treatment group as downregulated when they were cocultured with lymphocytes compared to those from the NAs group. The proliferation of LX-2 cells in the FZHY treatment group was inhibited compared to that in the NAs group. In a mouse model of hepatic fibrosis, PBLs and IHLs from ConA exposure plus FZHY treatment inhibited the ability of JS-1 cells to express α-SMA.

Conclusions

FZHY Capsule improved the disordered cellular immunity and postponed liver fibrosis possibly through inhibiting the interaction between lymphocyte and hepatic stellate cells.

Qingyi decoction attenuates severe acute pancreatitis in rats via inhibition of inflammation and protection of the intestinal barrier

OBJECTIVE

Qingyi decoction (QYD) has beneficial effects in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). We assessed the therapeutic effect and mechanisms of QYD in SAP.

METHODS

A rat model of SAP was induced by pancreatic ductal injection of sodium taurocholate. QYD was administered intragastrically immediately postoperatively and once every 12 hours. Serum amylase, endotoxin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and D-lactate levels were measured at 12, 24, and 48 hours. Histological changes in the pancreas and ileum were analyzed. Expression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells p65 (NF-κB p65), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the small intestinal mucosa was also assessed.

RESULTS

Pancreatic tissue showed extracellular space expansion, inflammatory infiltration, vessels with necrotic walls, and hemorrhage. Ileal tissue showed hemorrhage, inflammatory infiltration, and ileal mucosa destruction. These histological features were dramatically improved by QYD. Increased serum levels of amylase, endotoxin, TNF-α, IL-6, and D-lactic acid were significantly decreased by QYD administration. Increased expression of NF-κB p65 and TLR4 and decreased expression of ZO-1 in the ileal mucosa were also restored to normal levels by QYD treatment.

CONCLUSION

QYD alleviates SAP by reducing intestinal barrier dysfunction, inhibiting intestinal bacteria and endotoxin translocation, and preventing NF-κB activation.

NF-κβ: A Potential Target in the Management of Vascular Complications of Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder affecting large percentage of population worldwide. NF-κβ plays key role in pathogenesis of vascular complications of diabetes. Persistent hyperglycemia activates NF-κβ that triggers expression of various cytokines, chemokines and cell adhesion molecules. Over-expression of TNF-α, interleukins, TGF-β, Bcl2 and other pro-inflammatory proteins and pro-apoptotic genes by NF-κβ is key risk factor in vascular dysfunction. NF-κβ over-expression also triggers calcification of endothelial cells leading to endothelial dysfunction and further vascular complications. Inhibition of NF-κβ pro-inflammatory pathway is upcoming novel target for management of vascular complications of diabetes. Various natural and synthetic inhibitors of NF-κβ have been studied in management of diabetic complications. Recent preclinical and clinical studies validate NF-κβ as promising target in the management of vascular complications of diabetes.

Effects of ω-3 Fatty Acids on Toll-like Receptor 4 and Nuclear Factor κB p56 in the Pancreas of Rats With Severe Acute Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to determine the effects of ω-3 fatty acids (ω-3FAs) on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor κB p56 (NF-κBp56) signaling pathway in the pancreas of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

METHODS

Sixty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control, SAP-saline, SAP-soybean oil, and SAP-ω-FA groups. Severe acute pancreatitis was induced by the retrograde infusion of sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. The expression of TLR4 and NF-κBp56 in the pancreas was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α in the pancreas were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS

Toll-like receptor 4, NF-κBp56, and inflammatory cytokine expression in the pancreas was increased significantly in the SAP group compared with that in the control group (P < 0.05), but was significantly decreased in the ω-3FA group compared with that in the soybean oil group at 24 and 48 hours (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that during the initial stage of SAP ω-3FAs could efficiently lower the inflammatory response by activating the TLR4/NF-κBp56 signaling pathway.

EFFECTS OF SALVIA MILTIORRHIZAE ON THE KIDNEY OF RATS WITH SEVERE ACUTE PANCREATITIS AND OBSTRUTIVE JAUNDICE

Background:

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and obstructive jaundice (OJ) are frequent recurring diseases that bring about huge threat to human health. Some reports have demonstrated that Salviae miltiorrhizae can protect multiple organs of SAP and OJ model animals or patients, but their related mechanisms were not clear. In this study, we observed the effects of Salvia miltiorrhizae injection on apoptosis and NF-κB expression in kidney and explored the protective effect and mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhizae on the kidney of SAP or OJ rats. The results obtained will provide a theoretical basis for clinical application of Salvia miltiorrhizae.

Material and Methods:

A total of 288 rats were used for SAP -and OJ-associated experiments. The mortality rates of rats, the contents of serum BUN and CREA, the expression levels of Bax, NF-κB proteins and the apoptosis index were observed, respectively.

Results:

The pathological changes in the kidney of SAP or OJ rats in treated group were mitigated to varying degrees. At 6 and 12 hours after operation in SAP rats or on 21 and 28 days after operation in OJ rats, the contents of serum CREA in treated group were significantly lower than those in model control group; At 3 and 6 hours after operation, the staining intensity of Bax protein of kidney in treated group was significantly lower than that in model control group; on 14 days after operation, the apoptosis index in the kidney of OJ rats in treated group was significantly lower than that in model control group.

Conclusion:

Salvia miltiorrhizae can exert protective effects on the kidney of SAP and OJ rats.

Perspectives of traditional Chinese medicine in pancreas protection for acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common diseases. AP is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, but it lacks specific and effective therapies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is one of the most popular complementary and alternative medicine modalities worldwide for the treatment of AP. The current evidence from basic research and clinical studies has shown that TCM has good therapeutic effects on AP. This review summarizes the widely used formulas, single herbs and monomers that are used to treat AP and the potential underlying mechanisms of TCM. Because of the abundance, low cost, and safety of TCM as well as its ability to target various aspects of the pathogenesis, TCM provides potential clinical benefits and a new avenue with tremendous potential for the future treatment of AP.

Curcumin Mediates a Protective Effect Via TLR-4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Rat Model of Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a common acute abdominal disease. This study was designed to investigate the preventive effects of curcumin on SAP and its possible mechanism of action. We observed increased volume of ascites, serum AMY, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, and expression of TLR-4 and NF-κB mRNA and protein in a rat model of SAP. Application of curcumin resulted in lower ascites volume and serum AMY. The levels of serum cytokines IL-10 and TNF-α were also significantly reduced after curcumin treatment, as evident from ELISA analysis. RT-PCR analysis showed down-regulation of TLR4 and NF-κB expressions as a function of curcumin treatment. Our results demonstrate the protective effect of curcumin in a rat model of SAP via the involvement of TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Effects of ω-3 fatty acids on toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κB p56 in lungs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM

To determine the effects of ω-3 fatty acids (ω-3FA) on the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor κB p56 (NF-κBp56) signal pathway in the lungs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

METHODS

A total of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, SAP-saline group, SAP-soybean oil group and SAP-ω-3FA group. SAP was induced by the retrograde infusion of sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. The expression of TLR4 and NF-κBp56 in the lungs was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the lungs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The expression of TLR4 and NF-κBp56 in lungs and of inflammatory cytokines in serum significantly increased in the SAP group compared with the control group (P < 0.05), but was significantly decreased in the ω-3FA group compared with the soybean oil group at 12 and 24 h (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

During the initial stage of SAP, ω-3FA can efficiently lower the inflammatory response and reduce lung injury by triggering the TLR4/NF-κBp56 signal pathway.

A Chinese Herbal Decoction, Huoxue Qingyi Decoction, Promotes Rehabilitation of Patients with Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Study

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) still remains an important surgical problem with high morbidity and mortality. The utilization of Traditional Chinese Medicine shows good prospects in therapy of SAP since it has advantages of more extensive pharmacological effects and fewer adverse effects. In this retrospective study, 38 patients received standardized treatment (control group) and 37 patients received Chinese herbal decoction, Huoxue Qingyi Decoction (HQD group), in addition to standard treatment for SAP. We found that the HQD group had a shorter hospital stay and lower initial expense than the control group (P < 0.05). The duration of hyperamylasemia and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) were significantly shorter in HQD group (P < 0.05). The percentage of patients having any complication was much lower in HQD group than control group (27/38 versus 17/37, P < 0.05), especially pancreatic pseudocyst (10/38 versus 2/37, P < 0.05). No adverse effect induced by HQD was found. We concluded that the HQD was effective, safe, and economic for reduction of complication, for early recovery from systemic inflammation, and for promoting earlier rehabilitation from SAP.

Protective effects of Radix Astragali injection on multiple organs of rats with obstructive jaundice

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Radix Astragali Injection on multiple organs of rats with obstructive jaundice (OJ).

METHODS

A total of 180 rats were randomly divided into the sham-operated, model control and treated groups (60 in each group). On 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after operation, the serum contents of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), r-glutamyl transpeptidase (r-GT), total bilirubin (TBil), direct bilirubin (DBil), blood urine nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (CREA) were determined. And the pathological changes of livers, kidneys and lungs, and protein expressions of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) of livers, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) of lungs, Bax and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), as well as apoptotic indexes of multiple organs were observed, respectively.

RESULTS

The pathological severity scores of multiple organs (including livers on 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, kidneys on 14 and 28 days, and lungs on 14 days), serum contents of ALT (14 and 21 days), AST (14 days), TBil (7, 14, 21 and 28 days), DBil (14 and 21 days), BUN (28 days), protein expressions of TLR-4 (in livers, 28 days), Bax (in livers and kidneys, 21 days), and apoptotic indexes in livers (7 and 21 days) in the treated group were significantly lower than those in the model control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Radix Astragali Injection exerts protective effects on multiple organs of OJ rats by improving the pathological changes of lung, liver and kidney, decreasing the serum index of hepatic and renal function as well as inhibiting the protein expression of TLR-4 and Bax in the livers and Bax in the kidneys.

High expression of IL-6, NF-κB and ICAM-1 in the intestinal mucosa is associated with intestinal mucosal injury in patients with obstructive jaundice

AIM: To observe the morphology and ultrastructure changes in the intestinal mucosa in patients with obstructive jaundice, and to investigate the relationship between the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and intestinal mucosal injury.

METHODS: TThe morphology and ultrastructure changes in the intestinal mucosa in patients with obstructive jaundice were observed by light microscopy and electron microscopy, respectively. The expression of IL-6, NF-κB and ICAM-1 in the intestinal mucosa was detected using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: Light microscopy analysis revealed that, in patients with obstructive jaundice, the intestinal villi were arranged disorderly and became shorter or absent, the intervals of villi were widened, and necrosis of the enterocytes and glands were visible. Electron microscopy analysis showed that, although the junctional complexes appeared intact, the microvilli were loose, the enterocytes became flat, the mitochondria swelled up and even become vacuolated, and the mitochondrial cristae collapsed. In addition, it could be seen that bacteria were attached to the mucosa surface. The expression of IL-6, NF-κB and ICAM-1 in patients with obstructive jaundice was increased significantly compared with controls (IL-6: 0.18 ± 0.02, vs 0.13 ± 0.01, P < 0.05; NF-κB: 0.23 ± 0.01 vs 0.19 ± 0.03, P < 0.05; ICAM-1: 0.17 ± 0.01 vs 0.13 ± 0.02, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Intestinal mucosal injury in patients with obstructive jaundice is associated with high expression of IL-6, NF-κB and ICAM-1.

Controversial role of toll-like receptors in acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common clinical condition with an incidence of about 300 or more patients per million annually. About 10%-15% of patients will develop severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and of those, 10%-30% may die due to SAP-associated complications. Despite the improvements done in the diagnosis and management of AP, the mortality rate has not significantly declined during the last decades. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern-recognition receptors that seem to play a major role in the development of numerous diseases, which make these molecules attractive as potential therapeutic targets. TLRs are involved in the development of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome, a potentially lethal complication in SAP. In the present review, we explore the current knowledge about the role of different TLRs that have been described associated with AP. The main candidate for targeting seems to be TLR4, which recognizes numerous damage-associated molecular patterns related to AP. TLR2 has also been linked with AP, but there are only limited studies that exclusively studied its role in AP. There is also data suggesting that TLR9 may play a role in AP.

Zerumbone attenuates the severity of acute necrotizing pancreatitis and pancreatitis-induced hepatic injury

This paper investigated the potential effects of zerumbone pretreatment on an acute necrotizing pancreatitis rat model induced by sodium taurocholate. The pancreatitis injury was evaluated by serum AMY, sPLA2, and pancreatic pathological score. Pancreatitis-induced hepatic injury was measured by ALT, AST, and hepatic histopathology. The expression of I-κBα and NF-κB protein was evaluated by western blot and immunohistochemistry assay while ICAM-1 and IL-1β mRNA were examined by RT-PCR. The results showed that AMY, sPLA2, ALT, and AST levels and histopathological assay of pancreatic and hepatic tissues were significantly reduced following administration of zerumbone. Applying zerumbone also has been shown to inhibit NF-κB protein and downregulation of ICAM-1 and IL-1β mRNA. The present paper suggests that treatment of zerumbone on rat attenuates the severity of acute necrotizing pancreatitis and pancreatitis-induced hepatic injury, via inhibiting NF-κB activation and downregulating the expression of ICAM-1 and IL-1β.

Toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway and pancreatitis

The pathogenesis of pancreatitis has long been a hot topic in basic and clinical research but is still not fully clarified. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) recognizes the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Gram-negative bacteria and stimulates the synthesis and release of inflammatory cytokines through activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, which ultimately results in inflammatory responses that involve multiple organs. Animal and clinical studies have shown that the TLR4 signal pathway plays an important role in the development of tissue injury during acute pancreatitis (AP) and up-regulation of TLR4 and the TLR4 signaling pathway contributes to the development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) associated with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) by increasing proinflammatory cytokines. Therefore, further studies are required to clarify the role of the TLR 4 signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis to explore novel methods for treating this disease.

Jinhuangyidan down-regulates ICAM-1 expression but up-regulates TGF-β1 expression in severe acute pancreatitis in rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of Jinhuangyidan on the expression of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the pancreas tissue of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

METHODS: Fifty-four male SD rats were randomly and equally divided into control group, model group and treatment group. SAP was induced in rats by retrograde injection of 5% taurocholic acid. Each group was further divided into three subgroups for testing at 2, 6 and 12 h after injection. Pathological changes in the pancreas were scored, and expression of ICAM-1 and TGF-β1 proteins in the pancreas was detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: Compared to the model group, pancreatic damage was significantly mitigated in the treatment group at 6 and 12 h (10.33 ± 0.82 vs 14.00 ± 0.63; 9.67 ± 0.82 vs 15.33 ± 0.52; both P = 0.000); the expression of ICAM-1 decreased significantly at 12 h (3.67 ± 0.76 vs 6.40 ± 0.72, P = 0.000); and the expression of TGF-β1 significantly increased at 6 and 12 h (3.77 ± 0.78 vs 0.60 ± 1.00, P = 0.00; 5.17 ± 1.42 vs 2.23 ± 1.01, both P = 0.000).

CONCLUSION: Jinhuangyidan can significantly improve early pancreatic pathological damage possibly by reducing ICAM-1 expression and increasing TGF-β1 expression in SAP in rats.

Effects of dexamethasone and Salvia miltiorrhizae on the small intestine and immune organs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis

To observe the protecting effects and mechanisms of Dexamethasone and Salviae miltiorrhizae on intestinal mucosa and immune organs (spleen, thymus and lymph node) in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The rats were randomly divided into sham-operated, model control, Dexamethasone treated group and Salviae miltiorrhizae treated group. At 3, 6 and 12 h after operation, the mortality rate, pathological changes of intestinal mucosa and immune organs as well as the contents of serum PAF, IL-1 beta and sIL-2R were observed, respectively. The mortality rate and the contents of PAF (at 3 and 6 h), IL-1 beta (at all time points) and sIL-2R (at 3 and 6 h) as well as the pathological scores of thymus (at all time points) and spleen (at 3 h) in Dexamethasone treated group were significantly lower than those in model control groups (P < 0.05). The contents of PAF (at 3 and 12 h), IL-1 beta (at 6 and 12 h) and sIL-2R (at 3 and 6 h) as well as the pathological scores of thymus (at all time points) and spleen (at 3 and 12 h) in Salviae miltiorrhizae treated group were markedly lower than those in model control groups (P < 0.05). Since both Dexamethasone and Salvia miltiorrhizae can reduce the contents of serum PAF, sIL-2R and IL-1 beta, mitigate the pathological changes in the small intestine, spleen and thymus and reduce the mortality rate of SAP rats, they show good therapeutic effects on SAP rats.

Possible role of toll-like receptor 4 in acute pancreatitis

Because the mechanism underlying the development of acute pancreatitis (AP) has not yet been fully clarified, it has been a hot but difficult topic in basic and clinical research for a long time. Currently, the dominant hypothesis for the pathogenesis of AP is that it is a disease of self-digestive acute chemical inflammation induced by trypsin activation. As proteins to trigger the inflammatory response cascade, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), especially TLR4, provide a new clue for studying the pathogenesis of AP from the source. Some studies have found that when TLR4 is activated by certain factors, it can amplify an inflammatory effect and aggravate the body's inflammatory response through a series of signal transduction. Toll-like receptor 4 may play an important role in the synthesis and release of proinflammatory cytokines, and the up-regulation of the TLR4 gene may be related with the development and progression of multiple organ injury during AP. As the "gate" of inflammatory response, TLR4 may be closely associated with the development and progression of multiple organ injury during AP. Understanding the roles of TLR4 in AP will help to further clarify the pathogenesis of AP and to search a new target for the treatment of AP.

Influence of Salvia miltiorrhizae on the mesenteric lymph node of rats with severe acute pancreatitis or obstructive jaundice

Objective. To observe the effect of salvia miltiorrhizae injection on inflammatory mediator levels and mesenteric lymph nodes in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and obstructive jaundice (OJ) rats and explore the protective mechanism of salvia miltiorrhizae on the lymph nodes of these rats. Methods. A total of 288 rats were used in SAP-associated and OJ-associated experiments. The rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, model control group, and treated group. At various time points after operation, the pathological changes in mesenteric lymph nodes of rats in each group were observed, respectively. Results. The pathological severity scores in lymph nodes of SAP rats in treated group were significantly lower than those in model control group (P < .05) while the pathological changes in lymph nodes of OJ rats in treated group also showed varying degrees of mitigation. Conclusion. Salvia miltiorrhizae can exert protective effects on the lymph nodes of SAP or OJ rats via a mechanism that is associated with reducing the contents of inflammatory mediators in blood.

Effect of salvia miltiorrhizae on pulmonary apoptosis of rats with severe acute pancreatitis or obstructive jaundice

To investigate the effect of apoptosis about Salvia miltiorrhizae injection on the lungs of SAP and OJ rats. Total 288 rats were used for SAP-associated experiments and OJ-associated experiments, respectively. The rats were randomly divided into sham-operated, model control and treated group. According to the difference of time points after operation, the SAP rats in each group were subdivided into 3, 6 and 12 h groups while the OJ rats were divided into 7, 14, 21 and 28 days groups. The pathological changes, expression levels of Bax protein and apoptotic indexes in the lungs of SAP or OJ rats were observed, and the mortality rates of SAP or OJ rats were recorded, respectively. The numbers of dead SAP and OJ rats in treated groups declined. The pathological changes in the lungs of SAP or OJ rats in treated groups were relieved to varying degrees. There was no marked difference in pathological severity scores and the positive staining intensity of Bax protein between treated groups and model control groups (all P > 0.05). Salvia miltiorrhizae has some protective effect on the lungs of rats with SAP or OJ which may be related apoptosis although our results can not find significant difference between treated groups and model control groups.

Protection of Salvia miltiorrhizae to the spleen and thymus of rats with severe acute pancreatitis or obstructive jaundice

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhizae in the treatment of SAP and OJ.

METHODS

A total of 288 rats were used for SAP- and OJ-associated experiments. The rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, model control group and treated group. The mortality rates of rats, contents of endotoxin and PLA(2) in blood, pathological changes of different indexes in spleen and thymus were observed.

RESULTS

The contents of endotoxin and PLA2 in treated group were significantly lower than those in model control group.The pathological severity scores of spleen and thymus of SAP rats as well as that of spleen of OJ rats in treated groups were significantly lower than those in model control groups (P < .05). The staining intensity as well as the product of the staining intensity and positive rate of Bax protein of spleen in model control group were significantly higher than those in treated groups (P < .01) , and the apoptosis index of spleen in treated group was significantly lower than that in model control group (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Salvia miltiorrhizae exerts protective effects on the spleen and thymus of SAP rats and spleen of OJ rats.

Protective effects of Salvia miltiorrhizae on multiple organs of rats with obstructive jaundice

PURPOSE

we aim to explore the protective effects of Salvia miltiorrhizae injection on multiple organs of obstructive jaundice (OJ) rats through observing the impact of this injection on the pathological alterations in these organs and the contents of endotoxin, PLA(2), and TNF-alpha in the blood.

METHODS

A total of 90 mice were randomly divided into sham-operated group, model-control group, and Salvia miltiorrhizae-treated group (n = 30). According to the duration of postoperative administration, each group was further divided into two subgroups, namely, 21 d subgroup (consecutive administration for 21 d, n = 15) and 28 d subgroup (consecutive administration for 28 d, n = 15). After administration, the pathological alterations in multiple organs were observed and the contents of endotoxin, PLA(2), and TNF-alpha in the blood were determined.

RESULTS

Compared to model control group, the number of dead rats in treated group decreased though there was no statistical difference between the two groups. The pathological alterations in the liver, kidney, and spleen in treated group showed varying degrees of mitigation. At all time points, the contents of plasma endotoxin declined significantly. On day 28, plasma PLA(2) content in treated group was significantly lower than that in model-control group.

CONCLUSION

Salvia miltiorrhizae injection is able to obviously reduce the contents of inflammatory mediators in the blood of OJ rats and exert some protective effects on multiple organs of these rats.