Effects of xuelian injection on cerebral TNF-α, IL-1β and MMP-9 in rats experienced focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.

Xuelian, as the raw material and also one of the representatives in the ethnodrugs (Uygur drugs) in Xinjiang, playing a role in anti-inflammation, clearing and activating channels and collaterals, improving body immunity, promoting blood circulation and enhancing the metabolism of cells. The aims of present study is to explore the protective effects of Xuelian injection on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was created by the middle cerebral artery embolization (MCAO). The expressions of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukins 1β (IL-1β) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were investigated with immunohistochemistry and HE staining at 24 h of reperfusion following 2 h ischemia in the basal ganglia. The infarct volumes were recorded to evaluate the protective effects of high-dose, low-dose and middle-dose Xuelian injection on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. The result indicated the administration of Xuelian injection significantly reduced TNF-α, IL-1β and MMP-9 expression, reduced infarct volume in MCAO rats (P < 0.01). The present study provides in vivo evidence that high-dose Xuelian injection protects against cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. The mechanism is related to the decrease of cerebral levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and MMP-9.