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Updated: Jul 1, 2025
Use of Animal Model of Sepsis to Evaluate Novel Herbal Therapies
Published on: April 11, 2012
Anti-sepsis effect of Xiaochaihu decoction based on the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signalling pathway
Qingxin Yang1, Yulong Wang2, Gefei Cao2
1Department of Pharmacy, MianYang Orthopaedic Hospital, Mianyang, 621000, PR China.
Abstract:
The aims of this study were to explore the protective effect of Xiaochaihu decoction in mice with sepsis induced by intraperitoneal injection; to explore its anti-inflammatory effect on the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB signalling pathway; and to explore the main material basis of the anti-inflammatory effect of Xiaochaihu decoction, with the aim of supplementing and expanding the associated research and providing a scientific foundation for the clinical use of the decoction. The effects of Xiaochaihu decoction on septic mice were analysed by measurements of white blood cells (WBC) and Platelets (PLT); Nitric Oxide (NO) level in serum; IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α levels in serum; RT-PCR; Haematoxylin-Eosin (HE) immunohistochemistry; western blotting (WB). The results showed the excellent in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of Xiaochaihu decoction in LPS-induced septic mice, through down regulation of the gene and protein expression of TLR4, MYD88, TRAF6, IKK, IKBα and p65 and the subsequent reduction in the release of inflammatory mediators IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and NO. Moreover, significant anti-septic effect was observed from high and medium doses of Xiaochaihu decoction, but not from the low dose.
Insights
Xiaochaihu decoction demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and anti-septic effects in mice by modulating the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB pathway. High and medium doses effectively reduced inflammatory mediators, supporting its clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.
- The Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response during sepsis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of Xiaochaihu decoction against sepsis in mice.
- To elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Xiaochaihu decoction involving the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB pathway.
- To identify the key active components responsible for the decoction's anti-inflammatory properties.
Main Methods:
- Sepsis was induced in mice via intraperitoneal injection.
- Effects were assessed by measuring white blood cells (WBC), platelets (PLT), serum nitric oxide (NO), IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α.
- Gene and protein expression of key pathway components were analyzed using RT-PCR and Western blotting; tissue pathology was examined via HE staining.
Main Results:
- Xiaochaihu decoction significantly reduced inflammatory mediators (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, NO) in septic mice.
- The decoction downregulated the expression of TLR4, MYD88, TRAF6, IKK, IKBα, and p65 at both gene and protein levels.
- Significant protective effects were observed with high and medium doses, but not the low dose.
Conclusions:
- Xiaochaihu decoction exhibits potent in vivo anti-inflammatory and anti-septic effects in a mouse model of sepsis.
- These effects are mediated through the inhibition of the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway.
- The findings provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of Xiaochaihu decoction in managing sepsis.
