Baicalin inhibits high-mobility group box 1 release and improves survival in experimental sepsis

Baicalin, as the main active ingredient of the root from Scutellaria, is usually used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In our study, we found that baicalin improved survival in septic mice in vivo and attenuated high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and cytokine release from macrophages in vitro. The experiments in vitro showed that baicalin inhibited both viability of macrophages and the cell's secretion of HMGB1, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-1β induced by lipopolysaccharide. Meanwhile, experiments in vitro also indicated that baicalin did not affect the transcription and translation of HMGB1 but inhibit the cytoplasmic translocation of HMGB1 induced by lipopolysaccharide. We found that baicalin improved survival and tissue injury of septic mice in vivo. It also decreased serum HMGB1, tumor necrosis factor α, IL-6, and IL-1β in septic mice. In conclusion, baicalin inhibits the release of HMGB1 from macrophages and may be a potential therapeutic strategy for sepsis-related diseases.