Abstract
Background: In this experimental study, we have researched Gehuajiecheng decoction mechanism of action in the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis so as to supply an effective drug in clinical practice. Methods: 40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and treated with different drugs. The control group were given intragastric administration of corn oil (2g/kg/per day) and 50% glucose (20ml/kg/per day); the model group were given intragastric administration of 40% alcohol (8g/kg/per day) and corn oil (2g/kg/per day); Gehuajiecheng decoction group were given intragastric administration of Gehuajiecheng decoction (13g/kg/per day) and 40% alcohol (8g/kg/per day); the Celecoxib group were given intragastric administration of celecoxib (10mg/kg/per day) and 40% alcohol (8g/kg/per day). 30 days after treatment, the rats were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital and the blood was collected. Serum levels of AST, ALT and GGT were measured by using chromatometry, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6 levels were examined by using radioimmunology method. After taking blood samples, the rats were sacrificed, and the liver was determined by Western blotting analysis. Results: Compared to controls, model group showed significantly higher levels of serum AST, ALT, GGT, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6, which can be corrected by administration of Gehuajiecheng decoction or celecoxib, since the group treated with Gehuajiecheng decoction or celecoxib showed significantly lower levels of serum AST, ALT, GGT, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6 (p 0.05). Similarly, COX-2 expression in the model group was significantly higher than that of controls. However, its expression can be depleted by Gehuajiecheng decoction or celecoxib as COX-2 expression in the model groups (p<0.01). Conclusion: Gehuajiecheng decoction protects against alcohol-induced liver injuries via inhibiting expression of COX-2, decreasing release of PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6. It has the same effect as COX-2 selective inhibitor, therefore, we suggest that this decoction could be used as an effective method in the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis.
Highlights
Alcoholic hepatitis (AL) is one of the most common diseases in the world
PGE2 is a metabolic product of COX-2, while COX-2 is a subtype of COX, a rate limiting enzyme that occurs during synthesis of PGs, COX-2 is not expressed or weakly expressed in normal tissues, but its expression level is markedly increased in the tissues with inflammation or tumors [16,17,18]
We examined COX-2 expression levels in liver tissues after various treatments, and explored the impact of Gehuajiecheng decoction and COX-2 selective inhibitor on alcoholic liver injuries
Summary
Severe cases of alcoholic hepatitis can lead to liver injuries and dysfunctions, and further progresses to cirrhosis and liver cancer [1,2,3,4] Several medicines such as glucocorticoids, pentoxifylline, antioxidants, and anti-TNF-α antibody have been used for clinical trial, currently, there is still no specific medicine for treatment of this disease [5,6]. Gehuajiecheng decoction was created by Li Dongyuan in the Jin and Yuan Dynasties It is regarded as a special prescription for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease. Conclusion: Gehuajiecheng decoction protects against alcohol-induced liver injuries via inhibiting expression of COX-2, decreasing release of PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6. It has the same effect as COX-2 selective inhibitor, we suggest that this decoction could be used as an effective method in the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis
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