RESUMEN
Objective To explore the effect of Shugan Lifei prescription on expression of Transforming Growth Factor-beta1(TGF-β1) and Smad3 in asthma rats under chronic stress condition. Method The 40 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups:control group, model group, dexamethasone group and Shugan Lifei group. Asthma model was established by inhaling atomized ovalbumin (OVA) passively and experiencing chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). From the 15th day of modeling, the treatment groups were intervened with dexamethasone drugs and Shugan Lifei prescription. Lung pathomorphology was observed via HE staining. The expressions of TGF-β1 and Smad3 in lung tissue were measured by immunohistochemical and RT-PCR. Results Compared with control group, the wall area and the smooth muscle area in the model group significantly increased. While compared with asthmatic model group,the wall area and the smooth muscle area in the dexamethasone group and Shugan Lifei group were significantly lower. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR showed that in comparison with control group , the expression of TGF-β1/Smad3 protein and mRNA in lung tissues in the model group significantly increased(P<0.05), while the TGF-β1/Smad3 protein and mRNA in lung tissues in the dexamethasone group and Shugan Lifei group were detected to be significantly lower than model group (P<0.05). Conclusion Shugan Lifei method could improve airway remodeling in asthma rats under chronic stress condition , and this result is possibly achieved by reducing TGF-β1 and Smad3 expression levels.