Effect of Berberine on intestinal barrier dysfunction in rats with severe abdominal infection

Abstract

Objective To discuss the preventive and treatment effect of Berbrine on intestinal barrier dysfunction in rats with severe abdominal infection. Methods Ninety model rats of severe abdominal infection were prepared for cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). They were randomly divided into three groups: the severe abdominal infection group (prepared by CLP), the control group (laparotomy only) and the Berberine treatment group. The changes of intestinal pathology in each group were observed, blood culture and plasma endotoxin, DAO, D-lactate were taken at different times after the operation. Meanwhile, the inflammatory factor, such as TNF-α, CRP and IL-2 were tested for the inflammatory level. Results The damage of intestinal mucosa in CLP group was more severe than that in Berberine treatment group, and plasma endotoxin, DAO and D-lactate level, TNF-α, CRP and IL-2 level, were higher in CLP group, which meant less inflammatory reaction after Berbrine treatment. Conclusion Excessive inflammatory reaction in rats with severe abdominal infection results in intestinal barrier dysfunction, and Berbrine protects the intestinal barrier function by reducing the inflammatory damage. Key words: Berberine; Intestinal barrier function; Severe abdominal infection; Inflammatory reaction