ABSTRACT
Objective: To explore the possible mechanism of Fufangqizao Decoction in the treatment of gastric ulcer. Methods:Sixty rats were randomly divided into normal control group, ulcer control group, Fufangqizao decoction low-, medium- and high-dose groups (3 g/kg, 6 g/kg, and 12 g/kg); omeprazole group, with 10 in each group. Rat gastric ulcer model was prepared by acetic acid ablation method. The protein expressions of Foxo3a and Bim in gastric ulcer were detected by Western blot. Apoptosis of gastric mucosal epithelial cells was detected by TUNEL staining. Results: Compared with those in ulcer control group, the expression levels of Foxo3a and Bim in Fufangqizao decoction groups and omeprazole group were significantly lower, and the effect of high-dose Fufangqizao decoction on the expressions of Foxo3a and Bim was more significant than that of omeprazole (P<0.05). The apoptosis index in each group was (26.79±2.54)%, (22.41±3.67)%, and (14.38±3.40)%, which were significantly lower than that in ulcer model group (30.75±2.93)% (P<0.05). Conclusion: Fufangqizao decoction may inhibit gastric mucosal epithelial cell apoptosis by down-regulating Foxo3a/Bim expression and thus exerts its anti-gastric ulcer effect.