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World Journal of Emergency Medicine ›› 2024, Vol. 15 ›› Issue (3): 206-213.doi: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2024.035

• Original Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Xuebijing improves intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in septic rats by regulating the VEGF-A/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

A-ling Tang1,2, Yan Li1, Li-chao Sun1, Xiao-yu Liu1, Nan Gao1, Sheng-tao Yan1(), Guo-qiang Zhang1()   

  1. 1Department of Emergency, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
    2Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100105, China
  • Received:2023-12-20 Accepted:2024-03-16 Online:2024-05-15 Published:2024-05-01
  • Contact: Guoqiang Zhang, Email: zhangchong2003@vip.sina.com;Shengtao Yan, Email: yanshengtao@zryhyy.com.cn

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore whether Xuebijing (XBJ) can improve intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in sepsis and its mechanism.
METHODS: A rat model of sepsis was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). A total of 30 male SD rats were divided into four groups: sham group, CLP group, XBJ + axitinib group, and XBJ group. XBJ was intraperitoneally injected 2 h before CLP. Hemodynamic data (blood pressure and heart rate) were recorded. The intestinal microcirculation data of the rats were analyzed via microcirculation imaging. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to detect the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the rats. Histological analysis and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze the injury of small intestinal microvascular endothelial cells and small intestinal mucosa in rats. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) in the small intestine was analyzed via Western blotting.
RESULTS: XBJ improved intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in septic rats, alleviated the injury of small intestinal microvascular endothelial cells and small intestinal mucosa, and reduced the systemic inflammatory response. Moreover, XBJ upregulated the expression of VEGF-A, p-PI3K/total PI3K, and p-Akt/total Akt in the rat small intestine.
CONCLUSION: XBJ may improve intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in septic rats possibly through the VEGF-A/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Key words: Sepsis, Xuebijing, Vascular endothelial growth factor A, Microcirculation, Rat, Phosphoinositide 3-kinase, Protein kinase B