Anwei Decoction up-regulates TGF-α mRNA expression but down-regulates COX-2 mRNA expression in the gastric mucosa of rats with chronic atrophic gastritis

Abstract

AIM: To investigate the effect of Anwei Decoction (AD) on the expression of transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNAs in the gastric mucosa of rats with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). METHODS: Thirty-six healthy rats were randomly divided into three groups: model control group (untreated), AD treatment group (treated with AD) and Weifuchun treatment group (treated with Weifuchun).CAG was induced in rats using N-methy-N-nitro-N-nitroguanidine (MNNG). After treatment, the expression of TGF-α and COX-2 mRNAs in the gastric mucosa of rats was determined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Compared with the model control group, the expression of TGF-α mRNA was evidently enhanced in the AD treatment group and Weifuchun treatment group (0.78±0.08 vs 1.54±0.27 and 1.30±0.15, respectively, both P＜0.01). Significant difference was also noted in the expression level of TGF-α mRNA between the two treatment groups (P＜0.05). In contrast, the expression level of COX-2 mRNA was remarkably reduced in the AD treatment group and Weifuchun treatment group compared with the model control group (0.36±0.04 and 0.46±0.06 vs 0.72±0.13, respectively; both P＜0.01). Significant difference was also noted in the expression level of COX-2 mRNA between the two treatment groups (P＜0.05). CONCLUSION: AD exerts therapeutic effects against CAG by enhancing TGF-α mRNA expression and reducing COX-2 mRNA expression in the gastric mucosa.