Protective Effects of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang against Polymicrobial Sepsis Induced by Cecal Ligation and Puncture in Rats

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) is a traditional formula that has long been used for treatment of inflammatory diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In this study, we examined its protective effect against sepsis in an experimental septic model induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in rats. The results demonstrated that prophylactic administration of HLJDT protected rats from CLP-induced lethality and ameliorated CLP-induced liver and lung injury. HLJDT treatment suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-17A, indicating HLJDT could limit excessive inflammatory responses in septic condition. In addition, HLJDT facilitated bacterial clearance by increasing phagocytic activities of peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, HLJDT treatment reversed CLP-induced suppression of IFN-γexpression and blocked CLP-induced increase in IL-4 expression in spleens of rats at 24 h after CLP, indicating that HLJDT could reverse the shift from Th1 to Th2 response and promote Th1/Th2 balance toward Th1 predominance in septic rats. Moreover, HLJDT also inhibited the expression of IL-17A and ROR-γt in spleens of septic rats, indicating HLJDT is able to inhibit Th17 activation in septic condition. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated the protective effects of HLJDT against sepsis and highlighted the potential of HLJDT as a medication for septic patients.