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-γ expression 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.