Effects of Qingjin Huatan Decoction on EGFR/MAPK Signaling Pathway of Airway Mucus Hypersecretion Rats with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease / 中国中医药信息杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the effects of Qingjin Huatan Decoction on EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway of airway mucus hypersecretion rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Intratracheal instillation of LPS combined with smudging method was used to establish COPD airway mucus hypersecretion rat models. Experimental rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, Qingjin Huatan Decoction group and clarithromycin group. The blank group was normally fed, while the other three groups were given NS, Qingjin Huatan Decoction, and clarithromycin respectively for gavage, once a day for 30 days. All rats were killed on the 31st day, and pathological changes of lung tissue and mucous glands hyperplasia were observed by HE staining method. The gene expressions of EGFR and MUC5AC in lung tissue were detected by RT-PCR method. The protein expressions of P-EGFR, P-ERK, P-JNK, P-p38 and MUC5AC in pulmonary tissue and airway epithelium were detected by immunohistochemical method. Results Compared with the blank group, mucous glands hyperplasia on airway epithelium, protein expressions of P-EGFR, P-ERK, P-JNK, P-p38 and MUC5AC on airway epithelium significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01); gene expression of MUC5AC of lung tissue increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, mucous glands hyperplasia on airway epithelium, P-p38, P-ERK and MUC5AC protein expression on airway epithelium in Qingjin Huatan Decoction group significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01); the protein expression of P-JNK increased significantly (P<0.01). EGFR and MUC5AC mRNA in lung tissue in Qingjin Huatan Decoction group decreased significantly (P<0.01). Conclusion Qingjin Huatan Decoction can reduce airway mucus hepersecrection of COPD by inhibiting ERK and p38 signal pathway on EGFR downstream.