Therapeutic Effect and Mechanism of New Maixian Powder on DSS-induced UC Rats

[Objectives] To study the therapeutic effect and mechanism of New Maixian Powder on ulcerative colitis( UC) rats through observing its regulatory effect on the protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase( PERK)/eukaryotic translation initiation factor-2α( e IF-2α)/nuclear transcription factor-kappa B( NF-κB) signaling pathway. [Methods]First,60 SD rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group,mesalazine group,and New Maixian Powder low,medium and high dose groups,10 rats each group. Then,dextran sulfate sodium( DSS) was used to induce UC rats. The mesalazine group was given 0. 42 g/( kg·d) of mesalazine sustained-release granule suspension,New Maixian Powder low,medium and high dose groups were given 1. 5,3,and 6 g/( kg·d) of New Maixian Powder suspension,respectively,and other groups were given an equal volume of physiological saline,continuous intragastric administration for 14 d. Next,the disease activity index( DAI) of UC rats was evaluated; the expression of NF-κB in serum was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay( ELISA); the expression of PERK and e IF-2α protein and m RNA in colon tissue was detected by Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction( RT q-PCR). [Results] Compared with the normal group,the DAI score and serum NF-κB level in the model group were significantly higher( P < 0. 05),and PERK and e IF-2α protein and m RNA levels in the colon tissue were increased( P < 0. 05); compared with the model group,the DAI score decreased and serum NF-κB level declined in the New Maixian Powder group,and the expression of PERK and e IF-2α protein and m RNA in New Maixian Powder medium dose and high dose groups declined( P < 0. 05). [Conclusions]New Maixian Powder has good therapeutic effect on UC rats,and its mechanism may be connected with the inhibition of the activation of PERK/e IF-2α/NF-κB signaling pathway.