Published online Feb 15, 2004. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v10.i4.606
Revised: August 25, 2003
Accepted: September 18, 2003
Published online: February 15, 2004
AIM: To explore the abnormal function of platelets and the role of angelica sinensis injection (ASI) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).
METHODS: In 39 patients with active UC, 25 patients with remissive UC and 30 healthy people, α-granule membrane protein (GMP-140) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) were detected by means of ELISA, 6-keto-PGF1a was detected by radioimmunoassay, platelet count (PC) and 1 min platelet aggregation rate (1 min PAR) were detected by blood automatic tester and platelet aggregation tester respectively, and von Willebrand factor related antigen (vWF:Ag) was detected by the means of monoclonal-ELISA. The 64 patients with UC were divided into two therapy groups. After routine treatment and angelica sinensis injection (ASI) + routine treatment respectively for 3 weeks, all these parameters were also detected.
RESULTS: The PC, 1 min PAR and levels of GMP-140, TXB2, and vWF:Ag in active UC were significanrly higher than those in remissive UC and normal controls (P < 0.05-0.01).Meanwhile, 1 min PAR and levels of GMP-140, TXB2, and vWF:Ag in remissive UC were still significantly higher than those in normal controls (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 6-keto-PGF1a level in active and remissive UC was remarkably lower than that in normal control (P < 0.05-0.01). These parameters except 6-keto-PGF1a were significantly improved after the treatment in ASI therapy group (P < 0.05-0.01), whereas they all were little changed in routine therapy group (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Platelets can be significantly activated in UC, which might be related with vascular endothelium injury and imbalance between TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1a in blood. ASI can significantly inhibit platelet activation, relieve vascular endothelial cell injury, and improve microcirculation in UC.