Comparison of the rat models of liver cancer spleen deficiency established by Dachengqi and Xiaochengqi decoctions / 中国实验动物学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the establishing methods and differences of rat models of spleen deficiency and spleen deficiency liver cancer using the traditional Chinese medicine Dachengqi and Xiaochengqi decoctions .Methods Spleen-deficiency rat models were developed by multifactor methods:bitter-cold purgation ( Dachengqi or Xiaochengqi de-coction), cold-wet environment, tiredness, and fasting on alternate days for 30 days.Seven days after spleen-deficiency modeled,liver cancer in the spleen-deficiency rats and normal rats was developed by subcutaneously inoculation of Walker -256 carcinoma cell line in nude mice and then transplanted into rat livers .Liver cancer models were observed for 35 days. Sixty 3-week old male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into 4 groups normal group , liver cancer model group , and Dachengqi and Xiaochengqi decoction groups .Degree of spleen deficiency , changes of the body-weight, survival time and tumor formation were recorded .Results Spleen deficiency rat models were successfully established .The weight gain of rats in the spleen-deficiency groups was significantly inhibited (P<0.01), and during the first 20 days (but not later) the average body weight of the Dachengqi decoction group was significantly higher than that of the Xiaochengqi decoction group (P<0.05).Spleen-deficiency scores of rats in the Xiaochengqi and Dachengqi groups were higher than those in the blank tumor group, especially in the Xiaochengqi group (P<0.01).The total tumor formation rate was 91.1%and 80%in the blank tumor groups , and 93.3%in both Xiaochengqi and Dachengqi groups , respectively .The average survival time of Xi-aochengqi group was lower than that of the blank tumor and Dachengqi groups ( P<0.01 and P<0.05 ) .The cumulative survival rate of the Xiaochengqi group and rats with a higher spleen-deficiency score was lower than that of the other groups (P<0.05).Conclusions Xiaochengqi decoction may induce spleen deficiency more seriously than Dachengqi decoction , and spleen deficiency may be an important unfavorable prognostic factor for rat models of liver cancer .