Tissue Pharmacology of Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction in Experimental Acute Pancreatitis in Rats

Abstract

Objectives. The Chinese herbal medicine Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction (DCQD) can ameliorate the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, the potential pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. This study explored the potential effective components and the pharmacokinetic characteristics of DCQD in target tissue in experimental acute pancreatitis in rats. Methods. Acute pancreatitis-like symptoms were first induced in rats and then they were given different doses of DCQD (6 g/kg, 12 g/kg, and 24 g/kg body weight) orally. Tissue drug concentration, tissue pathological score, and inflammatory mediators in pancreas, intestine, and lung tissues of rats were examined after 24 hours, respectively. Results. Major components of DCQD could be found in target tissues and their concentrations increased in conjunction with the intake dose of DCQD. The high-dose compounds showed maximal effect on altering levels of anti-inflammatory (interleukin-4 and interleukin-10) and proinflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6) and ameliorating the pathological damage in target tissues (P < 0.05). Conclusions. DCQD could alleviate pancreatic, intestinal, and lung injury by altering levels of inflammatory cytokines in AP rats with tissue distribution of its components.

Optimal timing for the oral administration of Da-Cheng-Qi decoction based on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic targeting of the pancreas in rats with acute pancreatitis

“…According to clinical observation, it can reduce intra-abdominal hypertension[ 2 ] and decrease the risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome in severe AP (SAP) patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and shorten their length of hospitalization[ 3 ]. In animal experiments, it can ameliorate acute pancreatic, intestinal, lung and liver injury complicated with SAP[ 4 , 5 ]. It can also reduce the generation of reactive oxygen species in AR42J cells and regulate the apoptosis/necrosis switch, to ameliorate the pancreatic inflammation and pathological damage[ 6 ].…”

The Role of Plant-derived Products in Pancreatitis: Experimental and Clinical Evidence

“…While treating pancreatitis clinically, DTD in combination with dexamethasone was found to decrease the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome in SAP patients with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and reduced the morbidity significantly (Wan et al , ). Another evidence of clinical acceptance of DTD was provided by Zhao et al, where vasoactive intestinal peptide levels in intestinal tissue or serum in DTD enema group were lowered and intestinal propulsion index was significantly improved in the patients (Zhao et al , ,b). A derivative of DTD, Chaiqinchengqi decoction was also found to alleviate the symptoms of SAP with modulation of the apoptosis/necrosis switch and suppression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (Xue et al , ; Deng et al , ; Lin et al , ).…”

“…This interesting attempt to understand the mechanism of phytoceuticals in SAP can be of great value in the future as it opens up a whole new avenue to shed light on the metabolomics upon treatment with molecule of interest. Report of Zhao et al indicated that DTD alleviates the associated intestinal and lung injury in addition to the pancreatic injury by altering tissue cytokine levels (Zhao et al , ,b).…”

Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines in Postoperative Abdominal Adhesion

“…Dachengqi decoction (DCQD), a famous preparation of TCM composed of Dahuang (Rheum palmatum L.), Houpu (Magnolia henryi Dunn), Zhishi (Citrus aurantium L.), and Mangxiao (Natrii Sulphas), is a commonly used formula for the treatment of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction, intestinal obstruction, and pancreatitis [74][75][76]. A clinical study showed that treatment with DCQT for 1 to 2 weeks could enhance gastrointestinal motility, adjust the synchronized recovery of the alimentary tract, and restore gastrointestinal function after abdominal surgery [75,77].…”