Effects of artesunate on CD14 in LPS signal transduction pathway

  Objective   To discuss the effects of artesunate on CD14 expression in LPS signal transduction pathway while heat-stroke endotoxemia.

  Methods   Kun-ming mice were randomly divided into normal temperature group, hyperthermia group, NS group and artesunate group(5 days continuous peritoneal injection artesunate by a dose of 60 mg/kg).Then CD14 mRNA expressions of peritoneal macrophages in each group mice of normal temperature condition and heat exposure were quantitated by reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).And contents of TNF-α in plasma were measured by Enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA).

  Results   Compared with normal temperature group, the level of CD14 mRNA expression and contents of TNF-α were markedly increased in hyperthermia group and NS group(P < 0.01).In artesunate group, CD14 mRNA expression was decreased obviously but content of TNF-α was increased lightly(P < 0.01).

  Conclusion   Artesunate is able to markedly reduce the CD14 expression in LPS signal transduction pathway and content of TNF-α.This may be one of the most important mechanisms that artesunate against endotoxemia.