title: Xuebijing Injection Promotes M2 Polarization of Macrophages and Improves Survival Rate in Septic Mice.
abstract: Xuebijing (XBJ) injection, a concoction of several Chinese herbs, has been widely used as an immunomodulator for the treatment of severe sepsis in China. However, the precise mechanisms responsible for its efficacy have not been fully elucidated. In our study, we determined the flow cytometry markers (F4/80, CD11c, and CD206), the levels of secreted cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10), and the expression of specific proteins of M2 (Ym1, Fizz1, and Arg1) to assess macrophage polarization. Treatment with XBJ lowered M1 associated cytokine levels and increased the level of M2 associated cytokine level. The percentage of M2 phenotype cells of XBJ group was much higher than that of the control group. Expressions of phosphorylated Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) were markedly enhanced after the administration of XBJ; on the other hand, the M2 associated cytokines and proteins were decreased following treatment with JAK1 or STAT6 inhibitor. In addition, the treatment of XBJ significantly improved the survival rate of septic mice. These studies demonstrate that XBJ can markedly promote M2 polarization and improve the survival rate of septic mice, thereby contributing to therapeutic effect in the treatment of septic complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China.
authors.forename: Yan-Cun
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Trauma Research Center, First Hospital Affiliated to the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China ; State Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
authors.forename: Feng-Hua
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Yao
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China.
authors.forename: Yan-Fen
authors.initials: YF
authors.lastname: Chai
authors.affiliation: Trauma Research Center, First Hospital Affiliated to the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China.
authors.forename: Ning
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.affiliation: Trauma Research Center, First Hospital Affiliated to the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China.
authors.forename: Zhi-Yong
authors.initials: ZY
authors.lastname: Sheng
authors.affiliation: Trauma Research Center, First Hospital Affiliated to the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China ; State Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
authors.forename: Yong-Ming
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Yao