Effect of Cordyceps sinensis and Panax notoginseng compound extracts on Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats and its mechanisms / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To study the effect of Cordyceps sinensis and Panax notoginseng compound extracts (CSPNE) on Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in rats and its mechanisms. Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (18 rats in each group). Rats in model, high- and low-dosage (150 and 75 mg/kg) CSPNE, and Prednisone acetate (3.33 mg/kg) groups were injected with a single dose of Bleomycin hydrochloride through trachea and in control group with the same volume of normal saline. One day after the injection, CSPNE solution of different dosages was respectively ig given to rats daily, while the same volume of normal saline was given to those in the control and model groups. On day 7, 14, and 28 after medication, six rats in per treatment group were randomly killed. Lung samples in every group of rats were measured for lung index, hydroxyproline (Hyp) and malonaldehyde (MDA) contents, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and serum was analyzed for SOD activities and MDA contents. Lungs were incised to make pathological sections which were stained with HE, and the expression of TGF-β1, Collagen I, and Collagen III in lung tissue was analyzed by means of immunohistochemistry technique. Arterial blood gas detection was observed in every group. Results: CSPNE could significantly decrease the lung index and Hyp contents in the lung tissue of rats with PF. It could enhance SOD activities and reduce MDA contents both in serum and lung tissues. It also decreased the expression of TGF-β1, Collagen I, and Collagen III in lung tissues. In the arterial blood gas detection CSPNE was found to make [p(CO2)] lowered, while [p(O2)] increased in the artery of rats with PF. Conclusion: CSPNE has obvious effect of inhibiting PE of rats, and the mechanism may be associated with its antilipid peroxidation, inhibiting the expression of TGF-β1, reducing the alveolar interstitial collagen deposition, and improving respiratory function as well.