Anwei Decoction up-regulates TGF-α mRNA expression but down-regulates COX-2 mRNA expression in the gastric mucosa of rats with chronic atrophic gastritis

AIM:To investigate the effect of Anwei Decoction (AD) on the expression of transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNAs in the gastric mucosa of rats with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG).METHODS:Thirty-six healthy rats were randomly divided into three groups:model control group (untreated),AD treatment group (treated with AD) and Weifuchun treatment group (treated with Weifuchun).CAG was induced in rats using N-methy-N-nitro-N-nitroguanidine (MNNG).After treatment,the expression of TGF-α and COX-2 mRNAs in the gastric mucosa of rats was determined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).RESULTS:Compared with the model control group,the expression of TGF-α mRNA was evidently enhanced in the AD treatment group and Weifuchun treatment group (0.78 ± 0.08 vs 1.54 ± 0.27 and 1.30 ± 0.15,respectively,both P < 0.01).Significant difference was also noted in the expression level of TGF-α mRNA between the two treatment groups (P < 0.05).In contrast,the expression level of COX-2 mRNA was remarkably reduced in the AD treatment group and Weifuchun treatment group compared with the model control group (0.36 ± 0.04 and 0.46 ± 0.06 vs 0.72 ± 0.13,respectively;both P < 0.01).Significant difference was also noted in the expression level of COX-2 mRNA between the two treatment groups (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:AD exerts therapeutic effects against CAG by enhancing TGF-α mRNA expression and reducing COX-2 mRNA expression in the gastric mucosa.