Aim To study the anti-inflammatory effect of Yinhuang micro-enema compound (YHMEC) in vitro and its possible anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Methods Peritoneal macrophages (PM?) obtained from Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced group, YHMEC intervention group and dexamethasone intervention group. The morphological changes of cells were observed under convert microscope. Peritoneal macrophage viability was test with MTT. The levels of tumor necrosis factor?(TNF-?) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured using ELISA. The translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-?B) p65 was detected with immunocytochemical method. Results The levels of TNF-? and IL-6 were increased significantly when PM? were induced by LPS and p65 were translocated from the cell cytoplasm into the nucleus. TNF-?,IL-6 secretions and translocation of NF-?B induced by LPS were inhibited by YHMEC. Conclusion The anti-inflammatory effects of YHMEC may act at least partly through inhititing the translocation of NF-?B and thus depress the expressions of TNF-? and IL-6.

Objective To observe the changes of islet cell apoptosis and oxidation-antioxidation before the transplantation, and to explore the pathways of islet protection. Methods Fifteen human pancreases were perfused with the Hanks solution containing collagenase, then digested and isolated. During the procedure, islet cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL, SOD and MDA in the pancreas were measured by colorimetric method, and the morphologic changes were observed by H-E staining and dithizone staining. Results In the procedure of human islet isolation, especially in the stage of digestion, the apoptosis of human islet cells occurred. In the stages of perfusion and digestion, the MDA contents reached the high levels (6. 18 ± 2. 38 and 9. 21 ± 2. 75 umol/mg protein respectively),and the structures of the islets and tissues around the islets were damaged. Conclusion In the stages of perfusion and digestion, apoptosis of islet cells can be caused by oxidation. It suggests that antioxidation is a pathway for protection of islets before transplantation.