RESUMO
Objective To reveal the effects of cold-dryness and modified Zhisou Power on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and neutrophil elastase (NE) in rats with COPD. Methods COPD model was established with an elastase dose into the trachea combined with exposure to smoking for 90 d; cold-dryness COPD group was further developed by exposure to a cold, dry environment for 90 d. After 90 days, cold-dryness COPD rats was divided into cold-dryness group and Zhisou Power intervention group (treated with modified Zhisou Power for 7 days). On the 97th day, all rats were killed. Pathological changes in lungs were observed. mRNA and protein expression of EGFR were measured by RT-qPCR and Western blot, and the amount of NE in serum and BALF were examined by ELISA. Results EGFR mRNA and protein expression were significantly higher in COPD group, cold-dryness group and Zhisou Power intervention group than in control group. EGFR was significantly lower in Zhisou Power intervention group than in COPD group and cold-dryness group. NE was significantly higher in serum and BALF in COPD group, cold-dryness group and Zhisou Power intervention group than in control group. NE in BALF was significantly higher in cold-dryness group than in COPD group. NE in BALF was significantly lower in Zhisou Power intervention group than in cold-dryness group. Conclusion Modified Zhisou Power can down-regulate the expression of EGFR and the mount of NE in cold-dryness COPD rats to treat COPD.