2.4. LPS-Induced Inflammatory Model

Before the LPS induction of systemic inflammation, the mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 3 for each group): LPS (LPS injection), LPS + FCE (LPS injection following 500 mg/kg/day O.P. treatment), LPS + SME (500 mg/kg/day), and LPS + SME + FCE. Then, an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (7.5 mg/kg) was administered to induce a systemic inflammatory response. Blood samples were collected from the mice at post-injection times of 2, 4, and 6 h. Then, the amount of TNF-α in serum was quantified using an R&D human TNF-α ELISA kit (Figure 1a).

The protocol for investigating the synergistic effects of SME and FCE on (a) preventing systemic inflammation and (b) alleviating mouse paw swelling induced by LPS.

Injection of LPS (10 μg/20 μL) into the knee joints of the mice was performed on Day 0. After 24 h of rest, the mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 3 for each group): LPS (LPS injection), LPS + FCE (LPS injection following 500 mg/kg/day O.P. treatment), LPS + SME (500 mg/kg/day), and LPS + SME + FCE. Continuous oral gavage of 4 different groups was routinely monitored. Meanwhile, the body weights and paw thicknesses of the mice were recorded daily (Figure 1b).