Effects of the Sijunzi decoction on the immunological function in rats with dextran sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis

Abstract

Abstract. The present study investigated the effects of the Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) at various dosages on the immunological function of rats with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS; molecular weight 5,000)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). A total of 40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: Normal, model, low-dose SJZD, moderate-dose SJZD and high-dose SJZD groups. The 3% DSS was intragastrically administered for 7 consecutive days in order to induce the UC model. The normal group consumed distilled water. Subsequently, SJZD (5.0, 10.0 and 30.0 g/kg) was intragastrically administered, and scores of the disease activity index (DAI) were calculated. After 2 weeks, all the rats were sacrificed. Scores of the colon mucosa damage index (CMDI) were evaluated; and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) were measured in intestinal tissue by ELISA assays. The model group rats had ulcers, hyperemia and interstitial edema and infiltrated inflammatory cells. SJZD attenuated the severity of the gross lesions and reduced the histopathological injuries. Compared with the normal group, DAI and CMDI were significantly increased (P<0.01), and levels of determined sIgA in the intestinal mucosa and IL-2 in the intestinal tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the model group. Compared with the model group, moderate and high doses of SJZD showed a restoration effect on all the aforementioned indexes, and the high dose was the most effective. In conclusion, SJZD can ameliorate inflammation in DSS-induced UC rats. The mechanism is most likely due to enhancing intestinal local immunity.

Modified Si–Jun–Zi–Tang Attenuates Airway Inflammation in a Murine Model of Chronic Asthma by Inhibiting Teff Cells via the mTORC1 Pathway

“…However, no significant side-effects such as body-weight loss or pathological change in lung tissues were observed. A recent study also used a high level dosage of a similar decoction with 30.0 g/kg for rats which is equal to about 45 g/kg for mice, whereas no distinct toxicity and side effects were observed (Yu et al, 2016). However, toxicity or side effects of MSJZT are still not fully understood, and further studies are needed to assess toxicity of MSJZT.…”

Effects of Jianpi Qingchang decoction on the quality of life of patients with ulcerative colitis

“…JQD was invented based on this principle: Codonopsis pilosula and radix Astragali could nourish the qi, Portulacaceae and Radix sanguisorbae could clear heat and dampness, and Panax notoginseng and Tuber Bletilla striata could promote blood circulation by removing blood stasis. [ 23 , 24 ] Modern studies have found that Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge containing Astragalus polysaccharide had a beneficial immune regulatory effect on experimental colitis, which promoted the expression of T helper cell 1 (Th1) and T helper cell 2 (Th2)-specific transcription factors, but ultimately led to a shift toward the Th2 phenotype.…”

Kangfuxin Liquid Ameliorates Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Acute Ulcerative Colitis in Mice by Modulating Immune Response and Suppressing Inflammation

“…The colon length was measured by using a ruler. The colon was observed and the colonic mucosal damage index (CMDI) was scored [ 25 ]. The scoring method was as shown in Table 2 .…”