Junshanyinzhen tea extract prevents obesity by regulating gut microbiota and metabolic endotoxemia in high-fat diet fed rats

Obesity is associated with gut dysbiosis and metabolic endotoxin.Junshanyinzhen tea extract(JSTE)reduced fat accumulation and body weight in obese mice.However,the effects and mechanism of JSTE in preventing obesity were unclear.Therefore,we used different doses of JSTE(75,150 and 300 mg/(kg·day))to evaluate the effect on high-fat diet(HFD)-induced rats under 8 weeks of intervention.Here,our results showed that JSTE could significantly reduce body weight gain,blood lipid levels and fat accumulation,improve fatty damage in liver tissue(P<0.05).In addition,JSTE increased the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins(P<0.05),relieved metabolic endotoxemia(P<0.05)and chronic low-grade inflammation in HFD rats.Sequencing of fecal samples showed that JSTE could effectively reverse the microbial diversity and the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes to normal levels in HFD-fed rats.Desulfovibrioceae and Erysipelotrichaceae,which are positively related to obesity,were decreased by JSTE intervention(P<0.05).while Bifidobacteriaceae,Bacteroidaceae,Akkermansia,and Clostridium,which are negatively related to obesity,were increased.Together,these results suggested that JSTE might effectively prevent obesity by modulating gut microbiota dysbiosis,intestinal barrier dysfunction,metabolic endotoxemia and chronic low-grade infl ammation in HFD-induced rats.

Gut-liver axis in liver cirrhosis: How to manage leaky gut and endotoxemia

A "leaky gut" may be the cutting edge for the passage of toxins, antigens or bacteria into the body, and may play a pathogenic role in advanced liver cirrhosis and its complications. Plasma endotoxin levels have been admitted as a surrogate marker of bacterial translocation and close relations of endotoxemia to hyperdynamic circulation, portal hypertension, renal, cardiac, pulmonary and coagulation disturbances have been reported. Bacterial overgrowth, increased intestinal permeability, failure to inactivate endotoxin,activated innate immunity are all likely to play a role in the pathological states of bacterial translocation. Therapeutic approach by management of the gut-liver axis by antibiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, prebiotics and their combinations may improve the clinical course of cirrhotic patients. Special concern should be paid on anti-endotoxin treatment. Adequate management of the gut-liver axis may be effective for prevention of liver cirrhosis itself by inhibiting the progression of fibrosis.

Changes in intestinal mucosal immune barrier in rats with endotoxemia

AIM： To investigate the dysfunction of the immunological barrier of the intestinal mucosa during endotoxemia and to elucidate the potential mechanism of this dysfunction. METHODS： Male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into two groups： control group and lipopolysaccharide （LPS） group. Endotoxemia was induced by a single caudal venous injection of LPS. Animals were sacrificed in batches 2, 6, 12 and 24 h after LPS infusion. The number of microfold （M）-cells, dendritic cells （DCs）, CD4＋ T cells, CD8＋ T cells, regulatory T （Tr） cells and IgA＋ B cells in the intestinal mucosa were counted after immunohistochemical staining. Apoptotic lymphocytes were counted after TUNEL staining. The levels of interleukin （IL）-4, interferon （IFN）-γ, and forkhead box P3 （Foxp3） in mucosal homogenates were measured by ELISA. The secretory IgA （sIgA） content in the total protein of one milligram of small intestinal mucus was detected using a radioimmunological assay.RESULTS： This research demonstrated that LPS-induced endotoxemia results in small intestinal mucosa injury. The number of M-cells, DCs, CD8~ T cells, and IgA~ B cells were decreased while Tr cell and apoptotic lymphocyte numbers were increased significantly. The number of CD4＋ T cells increased in the early stages and then slightly decreased by 24 h. The level of IL-4 significantly increased in the early stages and then reversed by the end of the study period. The level of IFN-T increased slightly in the early stages and then decreased markedly by the 24 h time point. Level of Foxp3 increased whereas sIgA level decreased.CONCLUSION： Mucosal immune dysfunction forms part of the intestinal barrier injury during endotoxemia. The increased number and function of Tr cells as well as lymphocyte apoptosis result in mucosal immunode- ficiency.

Effect of combined therapy of Yinchenhao Chengqi decoction and endoscopic sphincterotomy for endotoxemia in acute cholangitis

AIM To evaluate the therapeutic mechanism of Yinchenhao Chengqi (YCHCQ) decoction (containing mainly Herba Artemisia capillaris) combined with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) for endotoxemia (ETM) in acute cholangitis.METHODS Twenty-one cases of acute cholangitis with ETM were divided randomly into two groups: group A, 10 patients treated with YCHCQ decoction combined with EST, group B, 11 patients treated with EST. The incidence rate of ETM, plasmic ET, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malonyldialdehyde (MDA), complement C3 and C-reactive protein (CRP) were studied respectively.RESULTS The ET level of group A (35.92ng/L±8.30ng/L) was significantly reduced after 7 days of treatment (P＜0.05) in contrast to that of group B (47.8ng/L±11.62ng/L), so did the level of MDA and CRP. But the SOD activity and C3 level in group A increased significantly (P＜0.05).CONCLUSION YCHCQ decoction combined with EST had a beneficial effect for ETM in acute cholangitis.INTRODUCTIONEndotoxemia (ETM) is one of the most important physiopathologic causes of acute cholangitis and it is the trigger of cytokines and inflammatory factors. In recent studies it has been found that Yinchenhao Chengqi (YCHCQ) decoction has a beneficial effect on ETM in acute cholangitis. With the development of endoscopic surgery, endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) has become an effective replacement for some operations in the treatment of acute cholangitis[1]. The effect of YCHCQ decoction combined with EST on ET, oxygen free radical and complement C3 was observed in order to find out its therapeutic mechanism.

Lipoic acid suppresses portal endotoxemia-induced steatohepatitis and pancreatic inflammation in rats

AIM: To examine the effect of α-lipoic acid (LA) on mild portal endotoxemia-induced steatohepatitis and associated pancreatic abnormalities in fructose-fed rats. METHODS: Rats were randomly assigned into two groups with a regular or 60% fructose-enriched diet for 8 wk. After fructose feeding for 4 wk, rats were further divided into four subgroups: with intraportal saline (F PV ), with intraportal saline plus administration of LA (F PV + LA ), with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infusion (F PLPS ), and with LPS infusion plus administration of LA (F PLPS + LA ). Rats were treated with LPS using intraportal infusion while LA was administered orally. Metabolite levels, superoxide levels, inflammatory markers, malondialdehyde content, glutathione content and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4 ) gene expression were all measured using standard biochemical techniques. Pancreatic insulin secretion was evaluated by a hyperglycemic clamp technique. Histology of liver and pancreas tissues were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Fructose-induced elevation in plasma C-reactive protein, amylase, superoxide, white blood cell count as well as in hepatic and pancreatic contents of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 were increased in animals treated with LPS and reversed with LA administration. The augmented hepatic gene expression of TLR4 in fructose-fed rats was further increased in those with intraportal LPS infusion, which was partially reversed by LA administration. Pathological examination showed inflammatory changes and leukocyte infiltration in hepatic and pancreatic islets of animals treated with LPS but were rarely observed in those with LA treatment. In addition to affects on the liver, impaired pancreatic insulin secretion seen in fructose-fed rats was deteriorated in with LPS treatment and partially reversed with LA administration. CONCLUSION: These data suggest LA could significantly suppress mild portal-endotoxemia but not fructoseinduced liver and pancreatic abnormalities in a rodent model for metabolic syndrome.

Dynamic changes and mechanism of intestinal endotoxemia in partially hepatectomized rats

AIM： To explore the mechanism of intestinal endotoxemia （IETM） formation and its changes in partially hepatectomized （PH） rats. METHODS： One-hundred and two adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups： normal control （NC） group, partially hepatectomized （PH） group and a sham-operated （SO） group. To study the dynamic changes, rats were sacrificed before and at different time points after partial hepatectomy or the sham-operation （ 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h, 72 h, 120 h and 168 h）. NC group was used as Oh time point in observation, namely 0 h group. For each time point indicated, six rats were used in parallel. Endotoxin （ET） and diamine oxidase （DAO） levels were determined in serum using Limulus Lysate test with chromogenic substrate and spectrophotometry. Intestinal mucosa barrier was observed under opticcal or electron microscope. The number and functional state of Kupffer cells （KCs） in the remnant regenerating liver were measured by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS： Serum ET levels significantly increased during 6-72 h period after PH compared with NC and SO groups, and there were two peak values at 12 and 48 h while serum DAO level significantly increased at 12 and 24 h. There was positive correlation （r = 0.757, P 〈 0.05） between the levels of DAO and ET dynamic changes. The optical examination showed neutrophil margination and superficial necrosis of the villi in the intestinal mucosa during 6-24 h period after PH. The penetrated electron microscope examination showed thatthe gaps between intestinal mucosa cells were increased and the Lanthanum （La） particles were observed among the intestinal mucosa cells during 6-48 h period, The numbers of KCs in the remnant regenerating liver were significantly increased during 24-168 h period after PH, However, the activation of KCs was predominantly observed at 48 h after PH. CONCLUSION： The mechanism of IETM in PH rats might be the injury of intestinal mucosa barrier and the decrease of the absolute number of KCs as well as the depression of functional state of KCs, This observation is of potential value in patients undergoing liver resection,

Association between endotoxemia and histological features of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

AIMTo assess whether surrogate biomarkers of endotoxemia were correlated with the histological features of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).METHODSOne hundred twenty-six NAFLD patients who had undergone percutaneous liver biopsy were enrolled. Serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein (LBP) and anti-endotoxin core immunoglobulin G (EndoCab IgG) antibody concentrations at the time of liver biopsy were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to examine for relationships between biomarker levels and histological scores.RESULTSSerum LBP concentration was significantly increased in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients as compared with nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) subjects and was correlated with steatosis (r = 0.38, P &#x0003c; 0.0001) and ballooning scores (r = 0.23, P = 0.01), but not with the severity of lobular inflammation or fibrosis. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that LBP was associated with steatosis score and circulating C-reactive protein, aspartate aminotransferase, and fibrinogen levels. Serum EndoCab IgG concentration was comparable between NASH and NAFL patients. No meaningful correlations were detected between EndoCab IgG and histological findings.CONCLUSIONLBP/EndoCab IgG were not correlated with lobular inflammation or fibrosis. More accurate LPS biomarkers are required to stringently assess the contribution of endotoxemia to conventional NASH.

Effect of Dexamethasone on Nitric Oxide Synthase and Caspase-3 Gene Expressions in Endotoxemia in Neonate Rat Brain

Objective To investigate the gene and protein expressions of three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and gene expression of Caspase-3, and effect of dexamethasone on them in neonatal rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemic brain damage. Methods Expressions of the three isoforms of NOS and caspase-3 mRNA in the brain were investigated by RT-PCR in postnatal 7-day wistar rats with acute endotoxemia by intraperitoneal administration of LPS. Regional distributions of NOSs were examined by immunohistochemical technique. Results nNOS and Caspase-3 mRNA were obviously detected. eNOS mRNA was faintly expressed, but iNOS mRNA was undetectable in the control rat brain. The expressions of NOS mRNA of three isoforms were weak 2 h after LPS (5 mg/mg) delivery, peaked at 6 h, and thereafter, reduced gradually up to 24 h. The expression intensity was in the order of nNOS> iNOS> eNOS. Widespread nNOS, scattered eNOS distribution and negative iNOS were identified in the control rat brain and all isoforms of NOS could be induced by LPS which reached the apex at 24 h in the order of nNOS> iNOS> eNOS as detected by immunostaining. Although Caspase-3 mRNA could be found in all groups, DNA fragmentation was only seen at 6 h and 24 h. The expressions of NOS and Caspase-3 mRNA were inhibited in the rat brain when dexamethasone was administrated. Conclusion LPS-induced NO production induces apoptosis of neurons through mechanism involving the Caspase-3 activation, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of brain damage during endotoxemia, and neuro-protective effects of dexamethasone may be partially realized by inhibiting the expression of NOS mRNA.

Pathogenetic effects of platelet activating factor on enterogenic endotoxemia after burn

INTRODUCTION Previous clinical and experimental studies haveindicated that an early endotoxemia occurred after amajor burn.It is unlikely that burn wound sepsis isthe source of circulating endotoxin in less than 12hour after burn.Increasing evidence demonstratesthat the bacteria and endotoxin in thegastrointestinal tract can pass through the gutbarrier into blood circulation to form enterogenicendotoxemia following burn.However。

Effect of Efferent Vagus Nerve Excitation by Electrical Stimulation on Acute Liver Injury in Rabbits with Endotoxemia

Objective:To study the effect of electrical stimulation of efferent vagus nerve on the acute liver injury induced by endotoxemia in rabbits. Methods:Sixteen rabbits were randomly divided into stimulation group(Group A,n=8) and control group (Group B,n=8).They were subjected to bilateral cervical vagotomy and intravenously challenged by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (E.coli 0111:B4,DIFCO,USA) at a dose of 100 μg/kg injected within 30 min.The distal end of the left vagus nerve trunk was placed across bipolar electrodes connected to a stimulation module and controlled by an acquisition system.Stimuli with constant voltage (10V,5Hz,5ms) were applied twice to the nerve for 10 min before and after the administration of LPS in Group A.At the time 30,60,120,180,240,300 min before and after infusion of LPS respectively in each animal,blood samples were taken for late measurement of the serum Alanine aminotransferase (ALT),Aspartate aminotransferase (AST),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10).Immediately after the experiment was finished,autopsy was performed and liver samples were taken to pathologic study. Results:Compared with Group B,the electrical stimulation of efferent vagus nerve could significantly decrease the contents of ALT,AST and TNF-α,but increase the contents of IL-10,in serum of Group A.It could also alleviate inflammation of liver tissue after LPS attack. Conclusion:The results suggest that excitation of the efferent vagus nerve can inhibit the inflammation cascade in liver after LPS challenge.Thus,it might have a protective effect on acute liver damage caused by endotoxemia.

Changes of enzyme chemistry of liver tissue and their image analysis during endotoxemia after thermal injury in rats

The changes of endogenous peroxidase (PO) and acid phosphatase (ACP) of the liver in rats which were inflicted with 20% TBSA full thickness burns and injected with endotoxin (1 ug/g body weight) were observed quantitatively with cytochemistry and computerized image analysis. Positive reaction of PO was found in the Kupffer cells (KCs) only in which the PO activity was significantly increased in the early stage and then decreased. This suggests that these changes are possibly compensatory at first and then decompensatory reactions of KCs to endotoxin challenge. ACP activity, in contrast to PO, was mostly localized in liver parenchymatous cells especially in the periphery of capillary bile ducts. It is considered that the ACP activity can reflect the functional state of lysosomes of hepatocytes which are damaged in the early stage of burn injury complicated by endotoxemia

Effects of hemorrhagic shock on endotoxemia and its molecular mechanism

In order to investigate whether hemorrhgic shock (HS) can enhance an individual’s sensitivity to endotoxin and the mechanism of this sensitization if it occurs, the changes of arterial blood pressure, plasma level of lactate and β-glucuronidase (β-G) and mortality rate were observed in rabbits of HS, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and HS＋LPS groups. In addition. the expression of CD14 was determined in peritoneal macrophages in mice with HS.It was found that after the Infusion of LPS in HS＋LPS group, arterial blood pressure was significantly decreased while plasma lactate and β-G increased. The changes of these 3 parameters in HS＋LPS group were significantlydifferent from those of HS or LPS group at all time points. All the rabbits in HS＋LPS group died and those of HSand LPS groups survived. The expression of CD14 elevated in the peritoneal macrophages of mice during HS andsubsequent resuscitation. It is concluded that HS can markedly increase an individual’s sensitivity to endotoxin.which might be due to the upregulation of CD14 expression after HS.

Anthropometric indices, lipid profile, and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein levels in metabolic endotoxemia: A case-control study in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria

Objectives: To determine the anthropometric indices, lipopolysaccharide-binding proteins (LBP), and lipid profile in patients with metabolic endotoxemia. Methods: The study comprised of 47 patients with metabolic endotoxemia (the metabolic endotoxemia group) and 43 controls (the control group). Patients in the metabolic endotoxemia group were categorized further into three subgroups including the normal weight group (n=8), the overweight group (n=12) and the obese group (n=27). Height, weight, waist, and hip circumference were measured, and waist-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. LBP was determined by ELISA and total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein by the respective enzymatic colorimetric methods. In addition, low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein were determined by Friedewald's formula. Results: The mean waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), BMI, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, and LBP of the metabolic endotoxemia group were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of the control group. WHR, TG, high density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein of the metabolic endotoxemia group were not significantly different (P>0.05) from those of the control group. The mean WC, HC, WHR, and BMI of the obese group with metabolic endotoxemia were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of the overweight group and the normal weight group with metabolic endotoxemia. Significant positive correlations were obtained between BMI and LBP (r=0.610, P=0.001), total cholesterol and LBP (r=0.385, P=0.007), TG and LBP (r=0.356, P=0.014) in patients with metabolic endotoxemia. Conclusions: Metabolic endotoxemia arising from increased circulating level of bacterial derive particles consequent to perturbation in the gut microbial community and the elevated ;serum level of LBP may precede the development of obesity, characterized by dyslipidemia, dysregulation of gut energy harvest, and metabolic energy imbalance.

Effects of cholecystokinin octapeptide receptor on lung injury in endotoxemia rats

Objective:To investigate the effects of CCK-8 receptor on lung injury in endotoxemia rats. Methods: Male SD rats were randomized into four groups (n=6): control group (LPS+CCK-8 group), CCK-1R antagonist group, CCK-2R antagonist group, DFSO+PF group. The rats were injected by LPS (5 mg.kg-1). CCK-8 (20 μg.kg-1) was administered 30 min after LPS injection. Either a specific CCK-1R antagonist or CCK-2R antagonist (0.5.kg-1) was injected before CCK-8 treatment (after LPS 20min). The tidal volume (TV) was collected by a multi-channel data physiological recorder. The lung injury was observed by light and electron microscopy. The concentrations of TNF-α、IL-1 and IL-6 in lung homogenates were measured by ELISA kits.Rresults: Compared with control group, the TV were significantly lower and the lung injuries were more serious in CCK-2R antagonist group. As well as the concentrations of TNF-α、IL-1 and IL-6 in lung homogenates were higher.Conclusion: CCK-2 receptor plays a major role in the effect of CCK-8 on lung injury in ETM rats.

Protective Effect of Silibinin on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Endotoxemia by Inhibiting Caspase-11-Dependent Cell Pyroptosis

Objective:To explore the protective effect and the underlying mechanism of silibinin(SIB),one of the active compounds from Silybum marianum(L.)Gaertn in endotoxemia.Methods:Mouse peritoneal macrophage were isolated via intraperitoneally injection of BALB/c mice with thioglycolate medium.Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8,while cytotoxicity was determined through lactate dehydrogenase cytotoxicity assay.The protein expressions of interleukin(IL)-1α,IL-1β,and IL-18 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Intracellular lipopolysaccharide(LPS)levels were measured by employing both the limulus amoebocyte lysate assay and flow cytometry.Additionally,proximity ligation assay was employed for the LPS and caspase-11 interaction.Mice were divided into 4 groups:the control,LPS,high-dose-SIB(100 mg/kg),and low-dose-SIB(100 mg/kg)groups(n=8).Zebrafish were divided into 4 groups:the control,LPS,high-dose-SIB(200μmol/L),and low-dose-SIB(100μmol/L)groups(n=30 for survival experiment and n=10 for gene expression analysis).The expression of caspase-11,gasdermin D(GSDMD),and N-GSDMD was determined by Western blot and the expressions of caspy2,gsdmeb,and IL-1βwere detected using quantitative real-time PCR.Histopathological observation was performed through hematoxylineosin staining,and protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were quantified using the bicinchoninicacid protein assay.Results:SIB noticeably decreased caspase-11 and GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis and suppressed the secretion of IL-1α,IL-1β,and IL-18 induced by LPS(P<0.05).Moreover,SIB inhibited the translocation of LPS into the cytoplasm and the binding of caspase-11 and intracellular LPS(P<0.05).SIB also attenuated the expression of caspase-11 and N-terminal fragments of GSDMD,inhibited the relative cytokines,prolonged the survival time,and up-regulated the survival rate in the endotoxemia models(P<0.05).Conclusions:SIB can inhibit pyroptosis in the LPS-mediated endotoxemia model,at least in part,by inhibiting the caspase-11-mediated cleavage of GSDMD.Additionally,SIB inhibits the interaction of LPS and caspase-11 and inhibits the LPS-mediated up-regulation of caspase-11 expression,which relieves caspase-11-dependent cell pyroptosis and consequently attenuates LPS-mediated lethality.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis contributes toα-synuclein-related pathology associated with C/EBPβ/AEP signaling activation in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor and gastrointestinal dysfunction.Gastrointestinal dysfunction can precede the onset of motor symptoms by several years.Gut microbiota dysbiosis is involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease,whether it plays a causal role in motor dysfunction,and the mechanism underlying this potential effect,remain unknown.CCAAT/enhancer binding proteinβ/asparagine endopeptidase(C/EBPβ/AEP)signaling,activated by bacterial endotoxin,can promoteα-synuclein transcription,thereby contributing to Parkinson’s disease pathology.In this study,we aimed to investigate the role of the gut microbiota in C/EBPβ/AEP signaling,α-synuclein-related pathology,and motor symptoms using a rotenone-induced mouse model of Parkinson’s disease combined with antibiotic-induced microbiome depletion and fecal microbiota transplantation.We found that rotenone administration resulted in gut microbiota dysbiosis and perturbation of the intestinal barrier,as well as activation of the C/EBP/AEP pathway,α-synuclein aggregation,and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neuron loss in the substantia nigra in mice with motor deficits.However,treatment with rotenone did not have any of these adverse effects in mice whose gut microbiota was depleted by pretreatment with antibiotics.Importantly,we found that transplanting gut microbiota derived from mice treated with rotenone induced motor deficits,intestinal inflammation,and endotoxemia.Transplantation of fecal microbiota from healthy control mice alleviated rotenone-induced motor deficits,intestinal inflammation,endotoxemia,and intestinal barrier impairment.These results highlight the vital role that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays in inducing motor deficits,C/EBPβ/AEP signaling activation,andα-synuclein-related pathology in a rotenone-induced mouse model of Parkinson’s disease.Additionally,our findings suggest that supplementing with healthy microbiota may be a safe and effective treatment that could help ameliorate the progression of motor deficits in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Inhaled unfractionated heparin improves abnormalities of alveolar coagulation, fibrinolysis and inflammation in endotoxemia-induced lung injury rats

Background Acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome presents with not only local inflammation, but also pulmonary coagulopathy which is characterized by an alveolar procoagulant response, anticoagulant inhibition, fibrinolytic supression and fibrin deposition. We thus had hypothesized that if aerosolized unfractionated heparin was inhaled into alveolar spaces, it could block the procoagulant tendency, lessen depletion of coagulation factors, and even influence the inflammatory response. We also assessed the effects of different administration regimens of heparin. Methods Male Wistar rats were given inhaled heparin starting 30 minutes before （prophylactic heparin） or 2 hours after （therapeutic heparin） intravenous lipopolysaccharide （LPS） was administered at 6-hour intervals; control groups received inhaled normal saline with or without being exposed to LPS. Thrombin-antithrombin complexes, activated protein C, tissue type and urokinase type plasminogen activators （t-PA/u-PA）, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 （PAl-l）, tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage, and lung tissue myeloperoxidase activity, and histology score were measured at three time-points. PAI-1/（t-PA ＋ u-PA） was calculated based on the before-mentioned parameters. Statistical analysis was made using one-way analysis of variance （ANOVA） with post hoc test or Student＇s t test in the case of heterogeneity of variance. Results An alveolar procoagulant reaction, depressed fibrinolysis, and inflammatory response occurred in endotoxemia-induced lung injury. Local prophylactic application of heparin attenuated coagulation and early inflammation, promoted fibrinolysis, and reduced the histology score. Therapeutic application of heparin had similar, but weaker effects. Conclusions Intrapulmonary application of unfractionated heparin by inhalation might inhibit alveolar procoagulant reaction and the early inflammatory response, promote fibrinolysis, and alleviate pulmonary pathology in endotoxemia-induced lung injury rats. Administration of heparin before LPS challenge was more efficacious.

Effect of Dachengqi Granules (大承气汤颗粒剂) on Level of Endotoxin in Ente rogenous Endotoxemia in Rats

Objective:To study the effect of Dachengqi Granule (DCQG) on endotoxin level in rats of enterogenous endotoxemia.Methods: Enterogenous endotoxemia model of rats was mad e by peritoneal injection of E.coli. In the treated groups, the rats were treat ed with different doses of DCQG, cefaclor and DCQG plus cefaclor respectively, starting from 3 days before to 1 day after modeling. Endotoxin levels in plasma, urine and stool were determined and compared. Results: Except for the cefaclor group, the plasma and urine endotoxin levels in the treated groups were lower significantly ( P <0.0 5), while the endotoxin level in stool was obviously higher than that in the unt reated model group.Conclusion:DCQG has the intestinal barrier protective e ffect including anti-bacteria, anti-inflammation and clearing endotoxin.