Investigating the mechanism of action of Bu-Yang-Huan-Wu decoction in treating bleomycin-Induced pulmonary fibrosis through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway

Background:To explore the effects and mechanisms of Bu-Yang-Huan-Wu Decoction on pulmonary fibrosis in mice.Methods:Forty-five C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into three groups:Control,Model,and Bu-Yang-Huan-Wu Decoction.Pulmonary fibrosis was elicited in mice through a solitary intratracheal administration of 2.5 mg/kg bleomycin.For the control group,mice were given a solitary intratracheal administration of a comparable volume of PBS.Treatment began on the first day after the successful model establishment and lasted for 21 days.The survival rate and body weight of the mice were recorded daily,and on the 22nd day,bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected to determine total cells and total protein.The wet/dry weight ratio of lung tissue and hydroxyproline were measured.Lung tissue pathology was observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson staining.The mRNA expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related proteins(E-cadherin and vimentin)was detected by RT-qPCR,and their protein expression was analyzed by western blot.Results:Compared to the model group,the Bu-Yang-Huan-Wu Decoction treatment notably enhanced both the survival rate and body weight in pulmonary fibrosis mice,significantly reduced lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio,total cells,and protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,and hydroxyproline content.The pathological morphology of lung tissue was significantly improved,with increased expression of the epithelial cell marker E-cadherin mRNA and protein,and decreased expression of the mesenchymal cell marker vimentin mRNA and protein.Conclusion:Bu-Yang-Huan-Wu Decoction can improve the degree of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Modulatory effect of D-pinitol on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats

Objective:To assess the effect of D-pinitol on pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin.Methods:Sprague-Dawley rats received intratracheal bleomycin(6 IU/kg)to induce pulmonary fibrosis,followed by administration of either D-pinitol(5,10,or 20 mg/kg)or vehicle or methylprednisolone(10 mg/kg)over 28 days after bleomycin administration.Lung function,biochemical parameters,serum biochemistry,mRNA expressions,and histological features were observed.Results:D-pinitol at 10 and 20 mg/kg significantly(P<0.05)attenuated bleomycin-induced bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,decreased myeloperoxidase,nitric oxide,malondialdehyde levels,and increased glutathione and superoxide dismutase level.D-pinitol also improved lung function(enhanced pause,frequency of breathing,expired volume,and tidal volume).Besides,D-pinitol significantly(P<0.05)upregulated Nrf2 and downregulated mRNA expressions of TGF-β,collagen-1,and Smad-3.Furthermore,considerably less inflammation(peribronchial,perivascular,and total),Ashcroft,and interstitial fibrosis scores were observed in the D-pinitol group.Conclusions:D-pinitol exerts its effect against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via antioxidative and anti-fibrotic pathways.

Pharmacodynamic study of cannabidiol on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats

Objective:To study the protective effect of cannabidiol(CBD)on rats with pulmonary fibrosis and explore the possible mechanism of the use of CBD in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.Methods:Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into the normal control group,model group,prednisone group,CBD low,medium and high dose groups(12,36,108 mg/kg,ig),10 rats in each group.Except for the normal control group,the other 5 groups were all induced by tracheal injection of bleomycin to rat models of pulmonary fibrosis.After modeling,the rats were given intragastric administration once a day for 28 consecutive days and samples were taken.The degree of pulmonary edema was detected;the pathological changes of lung tissue were observed by HE and Masson staining;tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6)and lung tissue superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA),hydroxyproline(HYP)contents were measured by ELISA,transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)andα-smooth muscle protein(α-SMA)concentration were detected by immunocytochemical method,real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR)method was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1,α-SMA,Nrf2 and nuclear transcription factor-κB p65(NF-κB p65).Results:The lung organ coefficient and W/D value were significantly decreased in the CBD administration group(P<0.05);medium and high doses of CBD could reduce the number of collagen fibers and fibroblasts;the pulmonary fibrosis in the low,medium,and high dose groups of CBD was significantly lower.The levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 in rat serum,as well as MDA and HYP in lung tissue,were significantly lower compared to the model group.Additionally,the level of SOD was significantly increased(P<0.05);The expression ofα-SMA was decreased compared with the model group(P<0.05);the contents of TGF-β1,α-SMA and NF-κB p65 mRNA in lung tissue decreased,and the expression level of Nrf2 mRNA increased(P<0.05).Especially,the high-dose group had the most significant effect.Conclusion:CBD can significantly reduce the degree of pulmonary fibrosis in rats,and its potential mechanism may be related to inhibiting inflammatory response,enhancing antioxidant capacity and inhibiting the protein expression of TGF-β1 andα-SMA.

The protective and therapeutic effects of total flavonoids of Astragalus against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis are through the enhancement of autophagy

Background:Previously,we showed that total flavonoids from astragalus(TFA)had beneficial effects against transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1-mediated fibrosis,but whether these effects involved autophagy is not known.We attempt to explore the effects of TFA on autophagy in an animal model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)induced by bleomycin,and to look for TFA components that may have an effect on autophagy.Methods:C57BL/6 mice were randomized to the sham group(SG),model group,low-dose TFA group(LDTG),and high-dose of TFA group(HDTG).The A549 cell line was treated with the TFA components including formononetin,calycosin,isorhamnetin,kaempferol,and quercetin.Lung tissues and cells were examined by histology,immunohistochemistry(anti-TGF-β1,α-smooth muscle actin(SMA),and cadherin),immunofluorescence(microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3)),hydroxyproline content,and immunoblotting(smad3,smad7,phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K),α-SMA,E-cadherin,beclin-1,and LC3-Ⅱ).Results:In vivo,TFA inhibited TGF-β1 expression and decreased collagen content in lung tissues induced by bleomycin.TFA increased autophagy following suppression of the smad pathway.In vitro,quercetin inhibited the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of A549 cells induced by TGF-β1 through suppression of the smad pathway.Autophagy was also increased by quercetin through inhibition of the AKT/mTOR pathway,but without change in PI3K expression.Formononetin,calycosin,isorhamnetin,and kaempferol had no such effects.Conclusion:TFA can alleviate bleomycin-induced PF in C57BL/6 mice via enhanced autophagy.The smad and AKT/mTOR pathways are possibly involved in these effects.Quercetin was the main active compound in TFA.

Expression of PEPT2 mRNA in the lung of rat with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Objective：Pulmonary fibrosis is a common pathological phenomena in lung cancer patients after chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which is a key factor hindering to transport ion of high concentrated drug to the lung tissue, peptide trans-porter has become targets of the rational design of peptides and peptide drug. The purpose of the study is to investigate the expression of PEPT2 mRNA in the lung of rats with bleomycin （BLM）-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Methods：Fifty healthy adult Spragne-Dawley rats were randomized into five groups, the rats in BLM 7d, 14d and 28d groups were treated with a single instil ation of 5 mg/kg of BLM, to induced pulmonary fibrosis models. On days 7, 14 and 28, the animals were kil ed by exsan-guination respectively. Normal saline （NS） group were treated by NS, on days 14, the animals were kil ed by exsanguinations. Control group were untreated. The lung samples were processed for light microscopy and determined the hydroxyproline （HYP） concentration. The expression of PEPT2 mRNA were measured by RT-PCR. PEPT2 cDNA fragments were tested by dideoxy chain termination. Results：Compared with control and NS group, HYP levels increased on day 7 of BLM group, but there was no statistical significant dif erence （P〉0.05）. HYP levels markedly increased on days 14 and 28 of BLM group, there was statistical significant dif erence （P〈0.01）. The morphological study showed that col agenous fiber proliferated on days 14 and 28 of BLM group, especial y on day 28, formed pulmonary fibrosis. There were no significant changes of pulmo-nary PEPT2 mRNA expression at dif erent groups （P〉0.05）. Conclusion：The pulmonary fibrosis models of SD rats can be induced by a single instil ation of 5 mg/kg of bleomycin on 28d. There were no significant changes of PEPT2 mRNA expression in the lung of rats with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Effect of expression of TGF-beta and TNF-alpha with Qidan granule treatment in rats by bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Qidan granule in blemycinA5-induced pulmonary interstitial fibrosis (PIF)in rats. Methods: PIF models were established by blemycinA5-induced in rats. They were treated by Qidan granule and Hydrocortisone respectively. The pathological changes and collagen protein disposition were observed, and the expression of TGF-β, TNF-α proteins were measured by immunohistochemical technique. Results: The pulmonary alveolitis and fibrosis were alleviated remarkably in Qidan granule group compared with those in the model control group and hydrocortisone group (P<0.01). The expression of TGF-β and TNF-α protein were higher in Qidan granule group than those in normal group ,and were significantly less than those in the model control group and in hydrocortisone group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Qidan granule would ameliorate the pulmonary alveolitis and fibrosis. TGF-β and TNF-α might play an important role in the development of alveolitis and fibrosis in rats.

Trigonelline mitigates bleomycin-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in mice

Objective:To evaluate the effect of trigonelline on bleomycin-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)and to explore its underlying mechanisms using network pharmacology.Methods:IPF was induced in C57BL/6 mice by a single intratracheal instillation of bleomycin(5 mg/kg).Trigonelline was administered at doses of 25,50,and 100 mg/kg/day orally from the 2nd day post-bleomycin induction up to the 14th day.In IPF-induced mice,lung coefficient,immune cell infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,and oxidative stress were measured.Histological alterations in lung tissues were also assessed.Moreover,network pharmacology approach was conducted to reveal molecular interactions of bleomycin and trigonelline with targets of IPF.Results:Trigonelline treatment reduced bleomycin-induced oxidative stress and immune cell infiltration,and mitigated physiological changes in the lung tissues of mice.Moreover,trigonelline alleviated bleomycin-induced histological alterations in lung tissues.Network pharmacology analysis showed that bleomycin and trigonelline interacted with IPF targets,such as NFKB1,HDAC2,HIF1A,and TLR4.Conclusions:The interaction of trigonelline with key IPF targets and its ameliorative effects on lung damage and oxidative stress highlight its potential in treating IPF.It may be considered an antifibrotic agent for further clinical development.

Study on the efficacy of early treatment with pirfenidone on the lung function of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)is classified under fibrotic interstitial pneumonia,characterized by a chronic and progressive course.The predominant clinical features of IPF include dyspnea and pulmonary dysfunction.AIM To assess the effects of pirfenidone in the early treatment of IPF on lung function in patients.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 113 patients with IPF who were treated in our hospital from November 2017 to January 2023.These patients were divided into two groups:control group(n=53)and observation group(n=60).In the control group,patients received routine therapy in combination with methylprednisolone tablets,while those in the observation group received routine therapy together with pirfenidone.After applying these distinct treatment approaches to the two groups,we assessed several parameters,including the overall effectiveness of clinical therapy,the occurrence of adverse reactions(e.g.,nausea,vomiting,and anorexia),symptom severity scores,pulmonary function index levels,inflammatory marker levels,and the 6-min walk distance before and after treatment in both groups.RESULTS The observation group exhibited significantly higher rates than the control group after therapy,with a clear distinction(P<0.05).After treatment,the observation group experienced significantly fewer adverse reactions than the control group,with a noticeable difference(P<0.05).When analyzing the symptom severity scores between the two groups of patients after treatment,the observation group had significantly lower scores than the control group,with a distinct difference(P<0.05).When comparing the pulmonary function index levels between the two groups of patients after therapy,the observation group displayed significantly higher levels than the control group,with a noticeable difference(P<0.05).Evaluating the inflammatory marker data(C-reactive protein,interleukin-2[IL-2],and IL-8)between the two groups of patients after therapy,the observation group exhibited significantly lower levels than the control group,with significant disparities(P<0.05).Comparison of the 6-min walking distance data between the two groups of patients after treatment showed that the observation group achieved significantly greater distances than the control group,with a marked difference(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Prompt initiation of pirfenidone treatment in individuals diagnosed with IPF can enhance pulmonary function,elevate inflammatory factor levels,and increase the distance covered in the 6-min walk test.This intervention is conducive to effectively decreasing the occurrence of adverse reactions in patients.

Tanshinone IIA ameliorates energy metabolism dysfunction of pulmonary fibrosis using 13C metabolic flux analysis

Evidence indicates that metabolic reprogramming characterized by the changes in cellular metabolic patterns contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis (PF). It is considered as a promising therapeutic target anti-PF. The well-documented against PF properties of Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) have been primarily attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potency. Emerging evidence suggests that Tan IIA may target energy metabolism pathways, including glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. However, the detailed and advanced mechanisms underlying the anti-PF activities remain obscure. In this study, we applied [U-13C]-glucose metabolic flux analysis (MFA) to examine metabolism flux disruption and modulation nodes of Tan IIA in PF. We identified that Tan IIA inhibited the glycolysis and TCA flux, thereby suppressing the production of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-dependent extracellular matrix and the differentiation and proliferation of myofibroblasts in vitro. We further revealed that Tan IIA inhibited the expression of key metabolic enzyme hexokinase 2 (HK2) by inhibiting phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) pathway activities, which decreased the accumulation of abnormal metabolites. Notably, we demonstrated that Tan IIA inhibited ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) activity, which reduced the collagen synthesis pathway caused by cytosol citrate consumption. Further, these results were validated in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced PF. This study was novel in exploring the mechanism of the occurrence and development of Tan IIA in treating PF using 13C-MFA technology. It provided a novel understanding of the mechanism of Tan IIA against PF from the perspective of metabolic reprogramming.

Early pirfenidone treatment enhances lung function in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients

This editorial comments on the study by Lei et al investigating the efficacy of early treatment with pirfenidone on the lung function of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)published.This study evaluates the efficacy of early treatment with pirfenidone on lung function in patients with IPF.The early and advanced stages of IPF are defined,highlighting the drug's benefits.While prior research indicates pirfenidone's effectiveness in advanced IPF,this study focuses on its advantages in early stages.The study emphasizes the importance of computed tomography imaging alongside biochemical data and lung function tests for a comprehensive analysis of symptom relief.Results show that early intervention with pirfenidone significantly reduces disease progression and preserves lung function,underscoring its potential as a critical treatment strategy in early IPF.

Strengthening pharmacotherapy research for COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis

The global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has resulted in a significant number of individuals developing pulmonary fibrosis(PF),an irreversible lung injury.This condition can manifest within a short inter-val following the onset of pneumonia symptoms,sometimes even within a few days.While lung transplantation is a potentially lifesaving procedure,its limited availability,high costs,intricate surgeries,and risk of immunological rejection present significant drawbacks.The optimal timing of medication administration for coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)-induced PF remains controversial.Despite this,it is crucial to explore pharmacotherapy interventions,involving early and preventative treatment as well as pharmacotherapy options for advanced-stage PF.Additionally,studies have demonstrated disparities in anti-fibrotic treatment based on race and gender factors.Genetic mutations may also impact therapeutic efficacy.Enhancing research efforts on pharmacotherapy interventions,while considering relevant pharmacological factors and optimizing the timing and dosage of medication administration,will lead to enhanced,personalized,and fair treatment for individuals impacted by COVID-19-related PF.These measures are crucial in lessening the burden of the disease on healthcare systems and improving patients'quality of life.

Mesenchymal stem cells-extracellular vesicles alleviate pulmonary fibrosis by regulating immunomodulators

BACKGROUND Pulmonary fibrosis(PF)is a chronic interstitial lung disease characterized by fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix formation,causing structural damage and lung failure.Stem cell therapy and mesenchymal stem cells-extracellular vesicles(MSC-EVs)offer new hope for PF treatment.AIM To investigate the therapeutic potential of MSC-EVs in alleviating fibrosis,oxidative stress,and immune inflammation in A549 cells and bleomycin(BLM)-induced mouse model.METHODS The effect of MSC-EVs on A549 cells was assessed by fibrosis markers[collagen I andα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),oxidative stress regulators[nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1),and inflammatory regu-lators[nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-κB)p65,interleukin(IL)-1β,and IL-2].Similarly,they were assessed in the lungs of mice where PF was induced by BLM after MSC-EV transfection.MSC-EVs ion PF mice were detected by pathological staining and western blot.Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed to investigate the effects of the MSC-EVs on gene expression profiles of macrophages after modeling in mice.RESULTS Transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1 enhanced fibrosis in A549 cells,significantly increasing collagen I andα-SMA levels.Notably,treatment with MSC-EVs demonstrated a remarkable alleviation of these effects.Similarly,the expression of oxidative stress regulators,such as Nrf2 and HO-1,along with inflammatory regulators,including NF-κB p65 and IL-1β,were mitigated by MSC-EV treatment.Furthermore,in a parallel manner,MSC-EVs exhibited a downregulatory impact on collagen deposition,oxidative stress injuries,and inflammatory-related cytokines in the lungs of mice with PF.Additionally,the mRNA sequencing results suggested that BLM may induce PF in mice by upregulating pulmonary collagen fiber deposition and triggering an immune inflammatory response.The findings collectively highlight the potential therapeutic efficacy of MSC-EVs in ameliorating fibrotic processes,oxidative stress,and inflammatory responses associated with PF.CONCLUSION MSC-EVs could ameliorate fibrosis in vitro and in vivo by downregulating collagen deposition,oxidative stress,and immune-inflammatory responses.

Timing impact on the initiation of pirfenidone therapy on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis disease progression

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Lei et al,with a specific focus on the timing of the initiation of the antifibrotic agent pirfenidone(PFD)in the management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)and its impact on lung function of IPF patients.PFD is an antifibrotic agent that is widely used in the management of IPF in both early and advanced stages.It inhibits various pathways and has antifibrotic,anti-inflammatory,and antioxidant properties.Despite dosage lowering,PFD slowed IPF progression and maintained functional capacity.The 6-min walk distance test indicated that patients tolerated adverse events well,and PFD significantly reduced the incidence of progression episodes and death.Even when a single disease-progression event occurred,continuing PFD treatment had benefits.

Microvesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells inhibit acute respiratory distress syndrome-related pulmonary fibrosis in mouse partly through hepatocyte growth factor

BACKGROUND Pulmonary fibrosis is one of the main reasons for the high mortality rate among acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)patients.Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived microvesicles(MSC-MVs)have been shown to exert antifibrotic effects in lung diseases.AIM To investigate the effects and mechanisms of MSC-MVs on pulmonary fibrosis in ARDS mouse models.METHODS MSC-MVs with low hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)expression(siHGF-MSC-MVs)were obtained via lentivirus transfection and used to establish the ARDS pulmonary fibrosis mouse model.Following intubation,respiratory mechanics-related indicators were measured via an experimental small animal lung function tester.Homing of MSC-MVs in lung tissues was investigated by near-infrared live imaging.Immunohistochemical,western blotting,ELISA and other methods were used to detect expression of pulmonary fibrosis-related proteins and to compare effects on pulmonary fibrosis and fibrosis-related indicators.RESULTS The MSC-MVs gradually migrated and homed to damaged lung tissues in the ARDS model mice.Treatment with MSC-MVs significantly reduced lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis scores.However,low expression of HGF(siHGF-MSC-MVs)significantly inhibited the effects of MSC-MVs(P<0.05).Compared with the ARDS pulmonary fibrosis group,the MSC-MVs group exhibited suppressed expression of type I collagen antigen,type III collagen antigen,and the proteins transforming growth factor-βandα-smooth muscle actin,whereas the siHGF-MVs group exhibited significantly increased expression of these proteins.In addition,pulmonary compliance and the pressure of oxygen/oxygen inhalation ratio were significantly lower in the MSC-MVs group,and the effects of the MSC-MVs were significantly inhibited by low HGF expression(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION MSC-MVs improved lung ventilation functions and inhibited pulmonary fibrosis in ARDS mice partly via HGF mRNA transfer.

The effect of Huayu Lifei formula on the expression of miR-27a and α-SMA in lung tissue of bleomycin-induced rat lung fibrosis model

Objective:Investigating the inhibitory effect of Huayu Lifyei Formula on bleomycininduced rat pulmonary fibrosis and its impact on the expression of miR-27a andα-SMA.Methods:Wistar rats were arbitrarily classified into a normal group,a model group,and a group treated with Huayu Lifyei Formula,each consisting of ten rats.Pulmonary fibrosis rat model was established by injecting bleomycin.Subsequent to the modeling,the Huayu Lifyei Formula treatment group was administered Huayu Lifyei Formula via gavage for a period of 7 days.Rats were sacrificed on the 14th day after modeling.The right lung was taken for HE staining,Masson staining,and immunohistochemical observation of alpha-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)expression.The expression of miR-27a was measured by qRT-PCR,with the miR-27a binding site on ACTA2(the gene encodingα-SMA protein)confirmed using dualluciferase reporter gene technology.Results:When compared to the model group,the Huayu Lifyei Formula treatment group showed considerable alleviation of pathological morphological changes in lung tissue,with significant reductions in alveolitis,fibrosis,collagen deposition in lung tissue,and the expression ofα-SMA protein.Meanwhile,the expression of miR-27a in the Huayu Lifyei Formula treatment group significantly increased,and the dual-luciferase reporter gene confirmed the binding site of miR-27a with the ACTA2 gene.Conclusion:Huayu Lifyei Formula can inhibit bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats,and its mechanism may be related to the promotion of miR-27a expression.

Rapamycin attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats and the expression of metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 in lung tissue

Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF） is the most common and devastating form of interstitial lung disease （ILD） in the clinic.There is no effective therapy except for lung transplantation.Rapamycin is an immunosuppressive drug with potent antifibrotic activity.The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of rapamycin on bleomycininduced pulmonary fibrosis in rats and the relation to the expression of metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9） and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 （TIMP-1）.Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with intratracheal injection of 0.3 ml of bleomycin （5 mg/kg） in sterile 0.9％ saline to make the pulmonary fibrosis model.Rapamycin was given at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg per gavage,beginning one day before bleomycin instillation and once daily until animal sacrifice.Ten rats in each group were sacrificed at 3,7,14,28 and 56 days after bleomycin administration.Alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis were semi-quantitatively assessed after HE staining and Masson staining under an Olympus BX40 microscope with an IDA-2000 Image Analysis System.Type Ⅰ and Ⅲ collagen fibers were identified by Picro-sirius-polarization.Hydroxyproline content in lung tissue was quantified by a colorimetric-based spectrophotometric assay,MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were detected by immunohistochemistry and by realtime quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）.Results Bleomycin induced alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis of rats was inhibited by rapamycin.Significant inhibition of alveolitis and hydroxyproline product were demonstrated when daily administration of rapamycin lasted for at least 14 days.The inhibitory efficacy on pulmonary fibrosis was unremarkable until rapamycin treatment lasted for at least 28 days （P ＜0.05）.It was also demonstrated that rapamycin treatment reduced the expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in lung tissue that was increased by bleomycin.Conclusion These results highlight the significance of rapamycin in alleviating alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis,which is associated with decreased expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1.

Simvastatin attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice

Background Bleomycin-induced fibrosis is extensively used to model aspects of the pathogenesis of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. This study aimed to determine the benefic effects and mechanisms of simvastatin on bleomycininduced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Methods Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mice were administered with simvastatin in different doses for 28 days. We measured inflammatory response, fibrogenic cytokines and profibrogenic markers in both bleomycin-stimulated and control lungs, and correlated these parameters with pulmonary fibrosis. Results Simvastatin attenuated the histopathological change of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and prevented the increase of lung hydroxyproline content and collagen （Ⅰ and Ⅲ） mRNA expression induced by bleomycin. Moreover, simvastatin down-regulated the increased expression of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） and connective tissue growth factor （CTGF） induced by bleomycin at both gene and protein levels. Simultaneously, the accumulation of neutrophils and lymphocytes and the increased production of tumor necrosis factor-a （TNF-α） in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid were inhibited by simvastatin in early inflammatory phase after bleomycin infusion. The higher dose of simvastatin was associated with a more significant reduction in these inflammatory and fibrotic parameters. Furthermore, the inactivation of p38, RhoA and Smad2/3 signaling pathways was observed during simvastatin administration. Conclusions Simvastatin attenuated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, as indicated by decreases in Ashcroft score and lung collagen accumulation. The inhibitory effect of simvastatin on the progression of pulmonary fibrosis may be demonstrated by reducing inflammatory response and production of TGF-β1 and CTGR These findings indicate that simvastatin may be used in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Notch signaling pathway mediates the immunomodulatory mechanism of Yangfei Huoxue decoction alleviating bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immunomodulatory mechanism by which Yangfei Huoxue decoction(YHD) alleviates bleomycin(BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis(PF) in rats.METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into two time-point groups(day 14 and 28), and each timepoint group comprised the following six subgroups: control, BLM, dexamethasone(DXM), YHD high dose(YHD-H), YHD middle dose(YHD-M), and YHD low dose(YHD-L). Haematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining, flow cytometry, enzymelinked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting and UPLC-QT of analyses were examined.RESULTS: The results showed that YHD reduced the degree of alveolar inflammation and fibrosis;downregulated the expression of CD28, CD80,CD86, Delta-like 1, Notch2, and Notch3;and upregulated the proportions of Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2. The seven components of YHD were detected.CONCLUSION: The current study indicates that YHD mainly functions by regulating the immune system and that the molecular mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Notch signaling pathway.

Danggui Buxue Tang ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats through inhibiting transforming growth factor-β1/Smad3/plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Danggui Buxue Tang(DBT), a decoction from Traditional Chinese Medicine, on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats, and to propose the possible underlying mechanism.METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group,prednisone group and DBT group. Pulmonary fibrosis rat model was established by intratracheal injection with bleomycin. Body weight and lung index were monitored. Histopathologic examination and collagen deposition were determined using Hematoxylin and eosin(HE) and Masson's trichrome staining. Immunohistochemistry staining was applied to observe the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA). m RNA expression of α-SMA,collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ were measured by realtime fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-q PCR). Inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6) and IL-1β in serum were detected by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Alkali hydrolysis method was conducted to investigate the content of hydroxyproline(HYP). Transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),Smad3 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) protein level were examined by Western blot assay.RESULTS: DBT significantly reduced the severity of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation as indicated by minimizing the lost of weight, and by lowering the levels of lung index, inflammation score, Ashcroft score, collagen volume fraction(%), HYP, α-SMA, collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ,TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, TGF-β1, Smad3 and PAI-1, consistent with the effect of prednisone.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that DBT is able to ameliorate the pulmonary fibrosis, the possible mechanism may involve inhibition of pulmonary inflammation and collagen deposition, possibly via suppressing TGF-β1/Smad3/PAI-1 signaling pathway.

Prevention of Bleomycin-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice by the Combination of Hirsutella sinensis and Panax notoginseng Extracts

Objective Hirsutella sinensis(HS) is the anmorph of Ophiocordyceps sinensis(Cordyceps sinensis).O.sinensis and Panax notoginseng are two popular Chinese herbs,commonly used in traditional Chinese prescriptions for the treatment of various diseases.A combination of HS extract with P.notoginseng saponin(PNS) extract demonstrated more prominent lung-protective activity than the two herbs individually used in our preliminary studies.This study further investigated the action of their combination(HSPNS) on anti pulmonary fibrosis using a Bleomycin(BLM) induced mouse model.Methods BLM-treated Kunming mice was given HSPNS daily for 7,14 or 28 d via ig administration.After treatment,following parameters were monitored using proper methods,respectively.Lung index,serum and lung malondialdehyde(MDA) and hydroxyproline(HYP) contents,lung superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity,transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1),and expression levels of collagen Ⅰ(Col-Ⅰ) and collagen Ⅲ(Col-Ⅲ).The lung biopsies were also dissected for semiquantitative histological analysis.Results The results indicated that HSPNS significantly reduced lung index,MDA and HYP contents,and expression levels of TGF-β1,Col-Ⅰ,and Col-Ⅲ.The combination also remarkably enhanced SOD activity compared with BLM-induced group.Moreover,the severe pulmonary fibrosis histopathological changes induced by BLM could be attenuated by HSPNS treatment.Conclusion These results suggest that HSPNS could significantly inhibit the progression of pulmonary fibrosis induced by BLM and its inhibitory effect might associate with its ability to scavenge free radicals,decrease TGF-β1 level,and inhibit collagen synthesis.