Objective To study the gene expressions of key cytokines involving NF-κB signaling pathway in collagen II-induced arthritic ( CIA ) rats treated with Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu Fang ( qi-tonifying blood-activating and toxin-removing formula) .Methods We used collagen II-induced arthritic ( CIA) rats by bovine II collagen as an animal model and Leflunomide as controls.CIA rats received treatment with Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu Fang.The levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum were measured with protein chip assay, and hematoxylin dyeing was used to observe the histopathological changes.The gene expressions of the key cytokines in NF-κB signal pathway were detected by real-time PCR.Results This formula inhibited the proliferation of synovial tissues, reduced inflammatory exudation and narrowed the range of fibroid necrosis.It also down-regulated inflammatory cytokines ( TNF, IL-1, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10) in serum of CIA rats.The gene expressions of NF-κB and IKK decreased in CIA rats treated with this formula.Conclusion Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu Fang could regulate the expressions of inflammatory cytokines and the key factor of NF-κB signal pathway for inhibiting inflammatory reaction in injured tissues, restoring the joint injury.Those could be the key active mechanism of RA treated with this formula.

Objective To investigate the effects of Bushen Shengxue Jiedu Fang (Kidney-tonifying blood-generating toxin-removing Formula,BSSXJDF) on lymphocyte differentiation and hematological parameters in mice with immune-mediated aplastic anemia (AA).Methods Mice in all groups except the normal group received 60Co-γirradiation combined with injection of allogeneic immune cells in the tail vein to establish bone marrow hematopoietic inhibition model.The immunosuppressive cyclosporine A was used as the positive control drug,whereas Bushen Shengxue Jiedu Fang (BSSXJDF) was given to mice in the treatment groups for 28 consecutive days.Changes of hematological parameters after medication in the peripheral blood of mice were measured with cytometer at day 7,14,21 and 28.The ratio of T,B and NK cells was detected with flow cytometer.Results The count of red blood cells (RBC),hemoglobin (HGB),platelets (PLT) and white blood cells (WBC) in peripheral blood of mice were significantly increased (P ＜ 0.05) in BSSXJDF group compared with the model group;the ratio of CD3+ CD4+ cells in creased(P ＜ 0.01),and the ratio of CD3-CD19+ cells and CD3-NK1.1+ cells decreased (P ＜ 0.01) with statistical significance in the cyclosporine and BSSXJDF groups compored with the model group.Conclusion Bushen Shengxue Jiedu Fang can repair the hematopoietic function of bone marrow by regulating the differentiation of lymphocytes in the treatment of AA.