Role of compound red sage root dripping pill in reducing uric acid (UA) and protecting endothelium: An animal experimental study

Objective To provide a new therapy for reducing uric acid (UA) by studying the role of compound red sage root dripping pill in reducing UA and in protecting endothelium in a hyperuricemia animal model. Methods Thirty-eight SPF-class male Kunming mice were randomly divided into control group (group A, n=12), allopurinol treatment group (group B, n=13), and compound red sage root dripping pill treatment group (group C, n=13). Three weeks after the animals in 3 groups were treated with yeast + ethambutol + distilled water gastric lavage, allopurinol + ethambutol + allopurinol gastric lavage, and yeast + ethambutol+ compound red sage root dripping pill gastric lavage, respectively, their serum UA and NO levels were measured. Thoracicoabdominal aorta was isolated and cut into sections which were stained with H& E. Expressions of NF-κB and VCAM-1 were detected with immunohistochemical staining. Results The serum UA level was significantly lower whereas the serum No level was significantly higher in groups B and C than in group A (372.71±22.16) μmol/L and (328.65±28.78) μmol/L vs (605.67±54.76) μmol/L, P < 0.01; (29.55±1.55) μmol/L and (35.11±2.03) μmol/L vs (20.89±1.70) μmol/L, P< 0.01). The NF-κB and VCAM-1 were strongly expressed in aorta endomembrane of group A but weakly expressed in groups B and C. No significant change occurred in aorta endomembrane morphology and blood vessel wall structure of 3 groups. Conclusion compound red sage root dripping pill can reduce the serum UA level, down-regulate the expression of NF-κB and VCAM-1, and increase the serum NO level in hyperuricemia mice.