Effect of total flavonoids of Radix Scutellariae on TLR2/Nod2 expression in lung after infection of staphylococcus aureus in vivo and in vitro

Aim To explore the anti-inflammation effect of total flavonoids of Radix Scutellariae(FRS),containing of baicalin the principle active component,in vitro and in vivo,and to explore the mechanisms and possible target of FRS action.Methods Depending upon the models of ATⅡ(primary alveolar epithelial cells),in vitro,and the pneumonia mice,in vivo,infected by Staphylococcus aureus,the amount of the bacteria live and mRNA expression of TLR2,Nod2,MyD88 and TNF-α were tested by RT-PCR.Result FRS could not help to reduce the amount of bacteria invaded into the cytoplasm,in vitro and in vivo.It didn’t diminish the rising TNF-α level after the infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus in vitro and in vivo.FRS did not have anti-inflammation effect.TLR2 expression was not changed significantly after the infection and FRS administering.Nod2 expression rose significantly after the infection and was down regulated to near normal after adding FRS. TNF-α and Nod2 showed close correlation.Conclusion The anti-inflammation effect of FRS relies on its ability to repress Nod2 expression.