Effects and mechanisms of Bazhen decoction, Siwu decoction, and Sijunzi decoction on 5 fluorouracil induced anemia in mice.
Abstract Objective To investigate the effects of Bazhen decoction (BZD) Siwu decoction (SWD) and Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) in mice with anemia induced by 5 fluorouracil (5 FU) and discussed the possible pharmacological hematopoietic mechanism to provide experimental evidence for the clinical use of the three classical prescriptions in the treatment of anemia. Methods Anemia was induced by intravenous injection of 5 FU and 80 female Kunming mice were randomly, assigned to oral administration of SWD, SJZD, or BZD daily for 10 days. Peripheral blood cells count and bone marrow cell cycle were monitored to evaluate anti anemia effects. Serum cytokines, interferon g (IFN g) interleukin 3 (IL 3) erythropoietin (EPO) granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM CSF) and tumor necrosis factor a (TNF a) were assayed. EPO mRNA expression was assayed in kidney and liver tissue homogenates. Results BZD and SWD significantly increased the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit, promoted bone marrow cells to enter the cell cycle, proliferate and differentiate, significantly increased IL 3 secretion, and significantly inhibited IFN g secretion. BZD stimulated transcription of EPO mRNA in the kidney and liver and enhanced serum EPO expression. A therapeutic effect of SJZD was not observed. Conclusion BZD and SWD treatment specifically enhanced hematopoietic function and mediated myelopoiesis by altering serum cytokines levels and accelerating entry of bone marrow cells into the cell cycle. Better curative effects were achieved via nourishing both Qi and blood (BZD) than by enriching the blood (SWD) or invigorating Qi (SWZD) alone.