Objective: To observe the curative effect of retention enema of Yuchang decoction combined mesalazine in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) of large intestinal dampness-heat syndrome

and to investigate its influence on interleukin (IL) -17 and IL-21. Method: One hundred and twenty patients with UC were randomly divided into the control group and the combined group of 60 patients each. The patients in the control group received 1 g mesalazine enteric-coated tablets quartic daily. Based on the treatment of the control group

patients in the combined group added retention enema of Yuchang decoction combined with mesalazine once daily. The patients in two groups received a 4-week period of treatment. Before and after treatment

colonoscopy was performed and the examinations were assessed by Baron scoring method and Sutherland DAI. Before and after treatment

the main signs and symptoms were scored. The quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was evaluated by IBD questionnaire (IBDQ). The levels of serum IL-17

IL-21 were detected. Result: The total effective rate in the combined group was 90%

which was superior to that of 76.67% in the control group (P<0.05). Baron scores and Sutherland DAI scores of the combined group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). The scores of diarrhea

bloody purulent stool

stomachache

and abdominal distension in the combined group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). IBDQ scores including intestinal tract symptom

constitutional symptom

emotional capability

and social competence of the combined group were higher than those of the control group (P<0.01). After treatment

the levels of serum IL-17 and IL-21 of two groups decreased (P<0.01)

while the results were lower in the combined group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Using retention enema of Yuchang decoction combined with mesalazine could alleviate symptom and control disease activity in treating UC of large intestinal dampness-heat syndrome. Its effect is better than using mesalazine alone. The mechanism may be related to regulating inflammatory factors.