Effects of flavonoids extracted from the whole plant of Patrinia Villosa (Thunb) Juss in a rat model of chronic pelvic inflammation

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effects of total flavonoids (PLV) extracted from the whole plant of Patrinia Villosa (Thunb.) Juss (PTJ) in a rat model of chronic pelvic inflammation.Methods: An orthogonal test design was employed to optimize the extraction conditions of PLV via reflux extraction by ethanol. Rats were randomly divided into control group, model group and PLV groups. An absorbable gelatin sponge with pathogens was inserted into the cervix of the rat to establish a pelvic inflammatory model. The PLV groups were orally administered PLV at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg for eight days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the determination of inflammatory cytokines in rat serum and the culture supernatant of RAW264.7 cells. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) was employed to determine mRNA levels.Results: The optimum extraction conditions for PLV by orthogonal test were obtained: extraction time (120 min), ratio of liquid to raw material (20 mL/g) and ethanol concentration (50 %). By treating with PLV, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β significantly decreased (p < 0.01), while IL-10 level significantly increased (p < 0.01) in the serum of chronic pelvic inflammatory rats and LPS-stimulated macrophages. In addition, a similar trend was observed in the mRNA levels of LPS-stimulated macrophages treated with PLV.Conclusion: PLV showes significant anti-inflammatory effects on chronic pelvic inflammation. The potential mechanism is related to regulating the expression of inflammatory factorsKeywords: Patrinia Villosa (Thunb.) Juss, Total flavonoids, Chronic pelvic inflammation, Inflammatory cytokines