ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-?) and endotoxin(LPS) in upper gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhosis patients and the preventive and treatment mechanism of rhubarb. Methods 45 liver cirrhosis patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding were treated with rhubarb, and its efficacy was compared with cemetidine's efficacy. Liver function, and serum levels of TNF-? and LPS were measured before and after the therapy. Results Patients’symptoms and liver function were improved, and serum levels of TNF-? and LPS significantly decreased after treated with rhubarb. Conclusions TNF-? and endotoxin might play an important role in upper gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhosis patients. Rhubarb has protective and treatment effect on upper gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhosis patients by reducing TNF-? and LPS release.