Abstract: BACKGROUND ＆ AIM：To study the inhibitory effect of Fuzheng Jiedu Decoction(FJD) on the micronuclei formation induced by nickel sulfate (NiSO4) in human bronchial epithelial cell line(16HBE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cultured 16HBE cells were exposed to NiSO4(400 μmol/L) in vitro. Different doses of FJD drug serum were added into the media containing NiSO4.Micronuclei(MN) were scored in 1 000 16HBE cells.Cellular ions of Ni2＋, Mg2＋ and Zn2＋ and free radicals were all measured with laser scanning confocal microscopy(LSCM). RESULTS： After exposure of 16HBE cells to NiSO4(400 μmol/L),MN frequencies, Ni2＋ and free radicals increased and Mg2＋,Zn2＋ decreased,compared with that of negative control(P<0.01). Compared with NiSO4 exposure group(10.8％), the MN frequencies in groups treated with both FJD and NiSO4 decreased significantly (P<0.05,P<0.01).In cells co_treated with FJD and NiSO4, Ni2＋ and free radicals decreased and Mg2＋,Zn2＋ increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). CONCLUSION： By restoring the alteration of some metal ions and scavenging free radicals,FJD could suppress micronuclei formation in 16HBE cells induced by nickel.

Key words: Fuzheng Jiedu decoction, drug serum, nickel sulfate, micronuclei, ion, free radicals