The effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza in a mouse model of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome induced by Gynura segetum.

Background and aims: to investigate the potential effect and mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza in Gynura segetum-induced hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS). Methods: the mice were gavaged with PBS, Gynura segetum or Gynura segetum, along with 100 or 200 mg/kg Salvia miltiorrhiza. Histological scoring and liver function were performed. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and nuclear transcription factor P65 (NF-kappa Bp65) were determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot. Results: liver function were effectively improved in the Salvia miltiorrhiza groups. The levels of TNF-alpha, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and NF-kappa Bp65 were significantly lower in the Salvia miltiorrhiza groups than in the Gynura segetum group. Conclusions: Salvia miltiorrhiza has a therapeutic effect on Gynura segetum-induced HSOS.