%A Pei-ting Zhu, Jing-zhe Zhang, Xue-lin Zhang, Zuo-biao Yuan, Hong-ying Zhang, Ju Gao %T Effects of Shengqing Capsules on cholelithiasis-related genes in guinea pigs %0 Journal Article %D 2005 %J Journal of Integrative Medicine %R 10.3736/jcim20050312 %P 207-210 %V 3 %N 3 %U {http://www.jcimjournal.com/CN/abstract/article_229.shtml} %8 2005-05-20 %X

Objective

To explore the molecular mechanisms of Shengqing Capsules in treating cholelithiasis.

Methods

Sixty female guinea pigs were randomized into 3 groups: group Ⅰ (fed with normal diet), group Ⅱ (fed with low-protein diet) and group Ⅲ (fed with low-protein diet and Shengqing Capsules). After six-week feeding, the gallstone formation and the expressions of bilirubin UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (B-UGT) mRNA and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) mRNA were observed.

Results

The proportions of stone-formed in groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ were 2/14, 9/12 and 4/14, respectively. There were significant differences among the three groups (P<0.05). The expressions of B-UGT and CYP7A1 mRNAs were higher in both group Ⅰ and group Ⅲ as compared with those in the group Ⅱ (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Shengqing Capsules can reduce the rate of stone-formation, which may be due to its interference of metabolism of bilirubin and cholesterol and up-regulation of the expressions of B-UGT and CYP7A1 mRNAs.