The Effects of Gehuajiecheng Decoction on Expression of COX-2, Serum Level of PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6 in Alcoholic Hepatitis

Background: In this experimental study, we have researched Gehuajiecheng decoction mechanism of action in the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis so as to supply an effective drug in clinical practice. Methods: 40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and treated with different drugs. The control group were given intragastric administration of corn oil (2g/kg/per day) and 50% glucose (20ml/kg/per day); the model group were given intragastric administration of 40% alcohol (8g/kg/per day) and corn oil (2g/kg/per day); Gehuajiecheng decoction group were given intragastric administration of Gehuajiecheng decoction (13g/kg/per day) and 40% alcohol (8g/kg/per day); the Celecoxib group were given intragastric administration of celecoxib (10mg/kg/per day) and 40% alcohol (8g/kg/per day). 30 days after treatment, the rats were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital and the blood was collected. Serum levels of AST, ALT and GGT were measured by using chromatometry, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6 levels were examined by using radioimmunology method. After taking blood samples, the rats were sacrificed, and the liver was determined by Western blotting analysis. Results: Compared to controls, model group showed significantly higher levels of serum AST, ALT, GGT, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6, which can be corrected by administration of Gehuajiecheng decoction or celecoxib, since the group treated with Gehuajiecheng decoction or celecoxib showed significantly lower levels of serum AST, ALT, GGT, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6 (p<0.01). However, liver function and Inflammatory mediators in Gehuajiecheng decoction were not significantly lower than that of the celecoxib group (p>0.05). Similarly, COX-2 expression in the model group was significantly higher than that of controls. However, its expression can be depleted by Gehuajiecheng decoction or celecoxib as COX-2 expression in the model groups (p<0.01). Conclusion: Gehuajiecheng decoction protects against alcohol-induced liver injuries via inhibiting expression of COX-2, decreasing release of PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6. It has the same effect as COX-2 selective inhibitor, therefore, we suggest that this decoction could be used as an effective method in the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis.