Effect of Zhuyeshigao granule on tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukins serum protein levels in rats with radiation esophagitis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Zhuyeshigao granule (ZSG) on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8 in rats with radiation esophagitis. METHODS: Fifty Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (10 rats in each group): control (without radiation), saline-treated, and low, medium, and high-dose ISG-treated groups. Rats were given normal saline (10 mL/kg) or 1.15, 2.3, or 4.6 g/kg ZSG by intragastric administration once a day for 7 days. A rat model of radiation esophagitis was established by local irradiation of Co60 (490.25 cGy/min, totaling 30 Gy). The administration of ZSG was continued for another 7 days and on the 7th day post-irradiation, inferior vena cava blood was collected. The serum was separated, and TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8 protein levels were determined. RESULTS: Inflammatory response factors were found in the serum of each group. However, levels in ZSG-treated groups were significantly lower than in the saline-treated group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ZSG may prevent the development of radiation esophagitis, perhaps by inhibiting the generation and release of the inflammatory response factors TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8.