Effect of andrographitis on intestinal bacterial overgrowth,bacterial translocation and intestinal permeability in cirrhotic rats

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of andrographitis on intestinal bacterial overgrowth, bacterial translocation and intestinal permeability in cirrhotic rats, and therefore to provide evidences for its clinical application.METHODS Liver-cirrhosis model in rats was induced by carbon tetrachloride.Thirty cirrhotic rats were randomly divided into four groups: group AN (n=8,andrographitis 0.5 g·kg-1·d-1), group NF(n=8,norfloxin 0.3 g·kg-1·d-1), group AN+NF (n=8,androgtaphitis 0.5 g·kg-1·d-1+ norfloxacin 0.3 g·kg-1·d-1)and group CN(n=6, 0.9% sodium chloride 2 mL·d-1). After 2-weeks treatment,serum specimens were collected from peripheral vein and the serum levels of ALT, AST,ALB,TP,TNF-α as well as NO were determined. The mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), blood, liver, spleen and contents of ileum were obtained for bacterial culture. Intestinal permeability was measured by HPLC/RID. Sections of liver and ileum were made for histological examination.RESULTS Compared with group CN,group AN, group NF and group AN+NF showed decreased serum levels of NO and TNF-α (P 0.05,P0.01)and also significant decrease in total ileum bacterial amounts and bacterial translocation (P0.01). Besides, the intestinal permeability in group AN and group NF was remarkably decreased (P0.05). By histological examination, obvious abnormalities were found in group CN:villi were shortened and damaged with increased inflammatory infiltration.CONCLUSION Administration of andrographitis resulted in a reduction of intestinal bacterial overgrowth, bacterial translocation and a protection of intestinal mucosal barrier, suggesting that oral administration of andrographitis may be useful in preventing cirrhotic patients from intestinal bacterium infection.