ABSTRACT
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.