Effect of Reduqing on TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and PAF levels in endotoxin-lnduced DIC model of rabbits) on TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and PAF levels in endotoxin-lnduced DIC model of rabbits

Abstract

Objective: To study the mechanism of anti-endotoxemic effect of Reduqing Injection (RDQ) and to explore the essence of traditional Chinese “heat-clearing and detoxifying therapy”.Methods: A disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) model was made in rabbits by intravenous injection with E. coli endotoxin. Increased plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and platelet activating factor (PAF), as well as the ex-vivo LPS-induced interleukin-1 (IL-1) production in peripheral blood monocytes were observed in model (M) group.Results: Same parameters were significantly lower in RDQ and dexamethasone (DXM) groups than those in the M group (P<0.01,P<0.05). Histopathological examination showed severe damage of the liver, lungs and kidneys in the rabbits of M group, in contrast, only mild affects were seen in the RDQ and DXM groups.Conclusions: RDQ exhibits protective effect on rabbits against endotoxin-induced DIC. The suppression of cytokines and inflammatory mediator PAF by RDQ may play a central role in the inhibition of endotoxin-induced DIC cascade.