Effects of Shen-Fu injection on mitochondrial function in the intestinal epithelial cells of rats with endotoxemia.

Recently, several studies have demonstrated that reactive oxygen species are responsible for inducing multiple organ failure and septic shock. Particularly, mitochondrial dysfunction has been demonstrated in the pathogenesis of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). In cytopathic hypoxia, impairment of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation decreases aerobic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and potentially induces MODS. Shen-Fu (SF) injections are widely used in the treatment of various diseases. SF exhibits cardiovascular protective effects. For example, it can stretch the coronary artery, stabilize blood pressure, regulate IRI, and improve the overall heart function. Clinical studies have demonstrated that SF injections have notable therapeutic effects on septic and hemorrhagic shocks. In the present study, the effects of SF injection on mitochondrial function in the intestinal epithelial cells of rats with endotoxemia were analyzed.