Lungs Through The Network Side Of The Rat Model Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Airway Extracellular Matrix Remodeling

Objective: Aiming at pathologic state of the disequilibrium of ECM metabolism, we observed the role of Bufeitongluofang in the airway ECM remodeling of COPD rats. Methods: COPD rat model was induced by cigarette smoking inhalation and intratracheal LPS exposure. The effects of Bufeitongluofang on COPD rats were approached by observing general status(such as body weight, movement and respiration, et al), measuring pulmonary function and observing the changes in pathomorhology under light micrioscope(HE staining) and transmission electyon microscope. The contents of HA and LN in the serum and BALF were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA)and the view of collagen deposition was assayed by means of Masson staining. The contents of IL-8 and TNF-α in the serum and BALF were measured by RIA.. The protein expression of TGFβ1 and MMP-9 in lung tisse was determined by immunohisstochemistry (IHC). The mRNA expression of TGFβ1, MMP-9, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 in lung tisse were determined by RT-PCR. Results: After Bufeitongluofang treatment, the weight of COPD rats increased significantly, movement increased and pulmonary function improved. HE staining and electron microscope demonstrated that the characteristics of these groups were lighter than modol group. Bufeitongluofang decreased the contents of HA and LN in the serum and BALF in different degree. It also decreased the collagen deposition in the lung tisse. Bufeitongluofang decreased the content of IL-8 and TNF-α in the serum and BALF, except the content of IL-8 and TNF-α in the serum of HT and LT group.The expression of TGF-β1 and MMP-9 protein were significantly decreased in the Bufeitongluofang treated groups. And the mRNA expression of TGF-β1, MMP-9, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 weakened too. Conclusions: Bufeitongluofang may affect COPD airway ECM remodeling. Its effective mechanism may related to the action of down-regulating the expression of TGF-β1 and enzymes (MMPs/TIMPs). Meanwhile, it may related to effecting the composition of ECM and decresing the content of inflammatory cytokines.