1
|
He L, Ji Y, Han L, Zhu W, Wei S, Qi H, Li J, Lv X, Shi M, Hou B, Wang T, Shen J, Song Y, Xu N, Zhu Q, Zhou J. Lianhua Qingke granules alleviate cigarette smoke-induced COPD through AMPK signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2025; 350:120028. [PMID: 40412779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2025.120028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2025] [Revised: 05/21/2025] [Accepted: 05/22/2025] [Indexed: 05/27/2025]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder characterized by inflammation, oxidative stress, and airflow limitation, commonly associated with cigarette smoke exposure and aging. Lianhua Qingke Granules (LHQK), derived from Maxing Shigan Decoction and Qingjin Huatan Decoction, is a traditional Chinese medicine historically used to "disperse lung Qi, clear heat, resolve phlegm, and relieve cough." LHQK has shown promise in alleviating respiratory disorders, including reducing inflammation and improving pulmonary function in COPD. However, its underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently explored. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of LHQK in cigarette smoke-induced COPD models. MATERIALS AND METHODS C57BL/6J mice were exposed to cigarette smoke for three months and treated with high- or low-dose LHQK for three months. Lung tissues were analyzed using histology, transcriptomics, RT-PCR, and western blotting to evaluate inflammation, cellular senescence, and pathway activation. Key cytokines (IL-6, CXCL15, TNF-α) and markers of senescence (p16, p21, p53) were measured. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that both low- and high-dose LHQK significantly alleviated lung injury and inflammation in the COPD mouse model, with the high-dose group exhibiting more pronounced effects. Histological analysis and reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, CXCL15, TNF-α) in the LHQK-treated groups compared to the control and COPD groups confirmed the efficacy of LHQK in mitigating lung damage. RNA sequencing of lung tissue from the control, COPD, and LHQK-treated groups revealed that LHQK, particularly at the high dose, regulated the AMPK signaling pathway, which is implicated in aging-related processes. Furthermore, both dose groups of LHQK reduced cellular senescence and alleviated age-related exacerbations of COPD, with the high-dose treatment demonstrating stronger effects. These findings suggest that LHQK protects against smoke-induced COPD by modulating inflammation and cellular senescence through the AMPK signaling pathway. CONCLUSION LHQK provides protective effects against smoke-induced COPD by attenuating inflammation and cellular senescence through the AMPK pathway. These findings highlight its potential as an adjunctive therapy for COPD, particularly in aging populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ludan He
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ji
- Hangzhou Dixiang Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 310030, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linxiao Han
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wensi Zhu
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shuoyan Wei
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hui Qi
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050091, Hebei, China
| | - Juan Li
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiuzhen Lv
- Hangzhou Dixiang Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 310030, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min Shi
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050091, Hebei, China
| | - Bin Hou
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050091, Hebei, China
| | - Tongxing Wang
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050091, Hebei, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Center of Emergency and Critical Medicine in Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200540, China
| | - Yuanlin Song
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and Injury, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Nuo Xu
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Qiaoliang Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Geriatric Medical Center, 2560 Chunshen Road, Shanghai, 201104, China.
| | - Jian Zhou
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and Injury, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Internet of Things for Respiratory Medicine, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jin P, Qi H, Zhao J, Zhang Y, Yuan C, Kang S, Wang L, Feng Q, Ma Y, Yuan Y, Hou Y, Jia Z. Lianhua Qingke Tablet in severe pneumonia: Clinical efficacy and immunoregulatory mechanisms. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2025; 342:119420. [PMID: 39909117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2025.119420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 11/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2025] [Indexed: 02/07/2025]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Lianhua Qingke (LHQK), a traditional Chinese medicine, has shown efficacy in treating acute and chronic bronchitis and bronchiolitis. However, the specific mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of LHQK on severe pneumonia is not clear. AIM OF THE STUDY Severe pneumonia remains a critical health challenge, particularly in cases progressing to sepsis and septic shock, where host immune responses become dysregulated or dysfunctional. This study aims to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of LHQK in severe pneumonia. MATERIALS AND METHODS This research examined LHQK's therapeutic and immunomodulatory mechanisms in patients with severe pneumonia and a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse model of severe pneumonia. Patients with severe pneumonia were randomized into three groups: basal treatment, LHQK-Low dose (12 tablets/day), and LHQK-High dose (24 tablets/day). BALB/c mice were categorized into four groups: control, model, LHQK-Low dose (3.7 mg/kg), and LHQK-High dose (7.4 mg/kg). Clinical efficacy was evaluated by assessing parameters including the value and rate of change in APACHE II score, improvement in chest X-ray or CT, partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), oxygen saturation in arterial blood (SaO2), oxygenation index (OI), and the length of hospitalization after 7 days of treatment. The viscosity of sputum was measured by viscosimeter. Moreover, lung histopathology, airway barrier integrity, and immune cells in BALF, were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunostaining, and Wright-Giemsa staining. Cytokine levels were measured using Luminex assay and Olink, while pulmonary immune cell patterns were analyzed using multiplex fluorescence and Cytometry by Time-Of-Flight (CyTOF). RESULTS In comparison to the basal treatment group of patients, LHQK treatment exhibited a reduction in the severity of severe pneumonia and inflammatory status, as evidenced by observations on Chest X-ray or CT scans. Additionally, LHQK treatment led to an elevation in OI, PO2, and SaO2 levels, and notably, a decreased duration of hospitalization. Further analysis revealed that LHQK enhanced the integrity of the airway epithelial barrier, reduced the viscosity of sputum, and significantly decreased inflammatory cells infiltration. The application of Luminex and Olink assay further confirmed the inhibitory impact of LHQK on the cytokine storm in mice. Moreover, multiplex fluorescence and CyTOF analysis demonstrated that LHQK effectively suppressed the activation of monocyte derived macrophages, neutrophils, and Treg cells, while preserved the levels of alveolar macrophages, B cells, and CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, therefore restoring immune homeostasis within the lung of severe pneumonia. These findings significantly substantiate the potential clinical application of LHQK in severe pneumonia treatment. CONCLUSION LHQK demonstrates therapeutic efficacy in severe pneumonia by maintaining structural integrity, suppressing cytokine storms, enhancing intrinsic immunity, reversing T cell exhaustion, and correcting lung immune disorders. These findings significantly substantiate LHQK's potential clinical application in severe pneumonia treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Jin
- Hebei Yiling Hospital, High-level TCM Key Disciplines of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine-Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Hui Qi
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China; National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, Hebei, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Hebei Medical University Third Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei, China
| | - Caiyun Yuan
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050091, Hebei, China
| | - Shiwei Kang
- The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Le Wang
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Qixuan Feng
- The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Yan Ma
- Hebei Yiling Hospital, High-level TCM Key Disciplines of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine-Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Yadong Yuan
- The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China.
| | - Yunlong Hou
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China; National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, Hebei, China.
| | - Zhenhua Jia
- Hebei Yiling Hospital, High-level TCM Key Disciplines of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine-Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China; Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China; National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, Hebei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li R, Deng H, Han Y, Tong Y, Hou Y, Huang T, Xiao M, Deng L, Zhao X, Chen Y, Feng P, Chen R, Yang Z, Qi H, Jia Z, Feng W. Therapeutic effects of Lianhua Qingke on COPD and influenza virus-induced exacerbation of COPD are associated with the inhibition of NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome responses. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 142:113213. [PMID: 39317049 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.113213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 09/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Lianhua Qingke (LHQK), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used clinically for the treatment of respiratory diseases with acute tracheobronchitis, and cough, has demonstrated promising efficacy in suppressing inflammation, inhibitingmucin secretion, reducing goblet cell hyperplasia andmaintainingairway epithelial integrity. However, its efficacy in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression, particularly virus-induced acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD),remains unclear. Here, cigarette smoke (CS)-induced COPD and CS+virus (influenza H1N1)-triggered AECOPD mouse models were employed to evaluated the therapeutic potential of LHQK. The findings demonstrated that LHQK treatment led to significant improved pulmonary function, suppressed pulmonary inflammation, alleviated lung histopathological changes, and preserved airway epithelial integrity in COPD mice. Additionally, LHQK treatment effectively inhibited viral replication in the lungs of AECOPD mice and decreased recruitment of immune cells (M1 macrophages, progenitor-exhausted T cells and CD8 + T cells) to the lungs. Western blot analysis indicated that the therapeutic effects of LHQK are associated with the inhibition ofNF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Collectively, these findings elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which LHQK mitigates COPD and AECOPD, thereby supporting its potential as a therapeutic option for individuals afflicted with these conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Runfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Guangdong 510120, China
| | - Huihuang Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Guangdong 510120, China
| | - Yu Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei Children's Hospital, Shijiazhuang Hebei 050031, China
| | - Yanan Tong
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang Hebei 050035, China
| | - Yunlong Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang Hebei 050035, China; Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei 050035, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chemical Measurement and Emergency Test Technology, China National Analytical Center, Institute of Analysis, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Mengjie Xiao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chemical Measurement and Emergency Test Technology, China National Analytical Center, Institute of Analysis, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Lingzhu Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Guangdong 510120, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chemical Measurement and Emergency Test Technology, China National Analytical Center, Institute of Analysis, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Yaorong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Guangdong 510120, China
| | - Pei Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa 519020, Macau
| | - Ruifeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa 519020, Macau
| | - Zifeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Guangdong 510120, China; Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China
| | - Hui Qi
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang Hebei 050035, China; Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei 050035, China.
| | - Zhenhua Jia
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang Hebei 050035, China; Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei 050035, China; Affiliated Yiling Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, China.
| | - Wei Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang Hebei 050035, China; Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei 050035, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ma Y, Hou Y, Han Y, Liu Y, Han N, Yin Y, Wang X, Jin P, He Z, Sun J, Hao Y, Guo J, Wang T, Feng W, Qi H, Jia Z. Ameliorating lipopolysaccharide induced acute lung injury with Lianhua Qingke: focus on pulmonary endothelial barrier protection. J Thorac Dis 2024; 16:6899-6917. [PMID: 39552861 PMCID: PMC11565356 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-24-700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 11/19/2024]
Abstract
Background Acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has long posed challenges in clinical practice, lacking established preventive and therapeutic approaches. Lianhua Qingke (LHQK), a patented traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects for ameliorating ALI/ARDS induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This study aimed to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of LHQK on endothelial protection in LPS-induced ALI/ARDS in vivo and in LPS-induced human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) injury in vitro. Methods In the animal experiment, we induced an ALI/ARDS model by intratracheal injection of LPS (5 mg/mL). LHQK (3.7 g/kg/d for low dose and 7.4 g/kg/d for high dose) or dexamethasone (DEX) (5 mg/kg/d) was administered to mice 3 days prior to LPS treatment. In the in vitro experiments, HPMECs were pretreated with LHQK at concentrations of 125 and 250 µg/mL for 2 hours before being stimulated with LPS (10 µg/mL). We employed lung function test, measurement of lung index, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell counts, and inflammatory cytokine levels to assess the therapeutic effect of LHQK. Additionally, the extravasation assay of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-dextran) dye and the transmembrane electrical resistance (TEER) assay were used to evaluate endothelial barrier. Barrier integrity and relevant protein validation were assessed using immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot analyses. Furthermore, network pharmacology analysis and cellular level screening were employed to predict and screen the active ingredients of LHQK. Results Compared to the LPS group, LHQK significantly improved lung function, mitigated lung pathological injuries, reduced inflammatory cells and inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6] levels in BALF, and inhibited the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), attenuated LPS-induced pulmonary oedema and FITC-dextran permeability, and enhanced the expression of vascular endothelial-cadherin (VE-cadherin) and occludin. In vitro, LHQK attenuated LPS-induced HPMECs injury by elevating TEER values and enhancing VE-cadherin and occludin protein levels. Finally, network pharmacology analysis and cellular level validation identified potential active ingredients of LHQK. Conclusions In summary, LHQK can mitigate LPS-induced inflammatory infiltration, pulmonary edema, and pulmonary vascular endothelial barrier dysfunction in the context of ALI/ARDS. This is achieved by decreasing the levels of VCAM-1, and increasing the expression levels of barrier-associated junctions, such as VE-cadherin and occludin. Consequently, LHQK exhibits promising therapeutic potential in preventing the progression of ALI/ARDS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ma
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yunlong Hou
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yu Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei Children’s Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ningxin Han
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yujie Yin
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaoqi Wang
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Peipei Jin
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhuo He
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jiemeng Sun
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuanjie Hao
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tongxing Wang
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wei Feng
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hui Qi
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhenhua Jia
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Respiratory, Affiliated Yiling Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang X, Hao Y, Yin Y, Hou Y, Han N, Liu Y, Li Z, Wei Y, Ma K, Gu J, Ma Y, Qi H, Jia Z. Lianhua Qingke Preserves Mucociliary Clearance in Rat with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Maintaining Ciliated Cells Proportion and Protecting Structural Integrity and Beat Function of Cilia. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2024; 19:403-418. [PMID: 38343495 PMCID: PMC10859105 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s436323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD) is a sudden worsening of symptoms in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), such as cough, increased sputum volume, and sputum purulence. COPD and AECOPD are characterized by damage to cilia and increased mucus secretion. Mucociliary clearance (MCC) functions as part of the primary innate system of the lung to remove harmful particles and pathogens together with airway mucus and is therefore crucial for patients with COPD. Methods AECOPD was induced by cigarette smoke exposure (80 cigarettes/day, 5 days/week for 12 weeks) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) instillation (200 μg, on days 1, 14, and 84). Rats administered Lianhua Qingke (LHQK) (0.367, 0.732, and 1.465 g/kg/d) or Eucalyptol, Limonene, and Pinene Enteric Soft Capsules (ELP, 0.3 g/kg/d) intragastrically. Pulmonary pathology, Muc5ac+ goblet cell and β-tubulin IV+ ciliated cells, and mRNA levels of forkhead box J1 (Foxj1) and multiciliate differentiation and DNA synthesis associated cell cycle protein (MCIDAS) were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescence staining, and RT-qPCR, respectively. Ciliary morphology and ultrastructure were examined through scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was recorded using a high-speed camera. Results Compared to the model group, LHQK treatment groups showed a reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration, significantly reduced goblet cell and increased ciliated cell proportion. LHQK significantly upregulated mRNA levels of MCIDAS and Foxj1, indicating promoted ciliated cell differentiation. LHQK protected ciliary structure and maintained ciliary function via increasing the ciliary length and density, reducing ciliary ultrastructure damage, and ameliorating random ciliary oscillations, consequently enhancing CBF. Conclusion LHQK enhances the MCC capability of ciliated cells in rat with AECOPD by preserving the structural integrity and beating function of cilia, indicating its therapeutic potential on promoting sputum expulsion in patients with AECOPD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Wang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050090, People’s Republic of China
- Hebei Yiling Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Shijiazhuang, 050035, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanjie Hao
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yujie Yin
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050035, People’s Republic of China
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunlong Hou
- Hebei Yiling Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Shijiazhuang, 050035, People’s Republic of China
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050035, People’s Republic of China
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ningxin Han
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Liu
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Li
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaru Wei
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050090, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kun Ma
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050090, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaojiao Gu
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050090, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Ma
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050090, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Qi
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050035, People’s Republic of China
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenhua Jia
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050090, People’s Republic of China
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050035, People’s Republic of China
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Respiratory, Affiliated Yiling Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050091, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hao Y, Wang T, Hou Y, Wang X, Yin Y, Liu Y, Han N, Ma Y, Li Z, Wei Y, Feng W, Jia Z, Qi H. Therapeutic potential of Lianhua Qingke in airway mucus hypersecretion of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chin Med 2023; 18:145. [PMID: 37924136 PMCID: PMC10623880 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00851-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lianhua Qingke (LHQK) is an effective traditional Chinese medicine used for treating acute tracheobronchitis. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of LHQK in managing airway mucus hypersecretion in the acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). METHODS The AECOPD model was established by subjecting male Wistar rats to 12 weeks of cigarette smoke (CS) exposure (80 cigarettes/day, 5 days/week for 12 weeks) and intratracheal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure (200 μg, on days 1, 14, and 84). The rats were divided into six groups: control (room air exposure), model (CS + LPS exposure), LHQK (LHQK-L, LHQK-M, and LHQK-H), and a positive control group (Ambroxol). H&E staining, and AB-PAS staining were used to evaluate lung tissue pathology, inflammatory responses, and goblet cell hyperplasia. RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and ELISA were utilized to analyze the transcription, expression and secretion of proteins related to mucus production in vivo and in the human airway epithelial cell line NCI-H292 in vitro. To predict and screen the active ingredients of LHQK, network pharmacology analysis and NF-κB reporter system analysis were employed. RESULTS LHQK treatment could ameliorate AECOPD-triggered pulmonary structure damage, inflammatory cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. AB-PAS and immunofluorescence staining with CCSP and Muc5ac antibodies showed that LHQK reduced goblet cell hyperplasia, probably by inhibiting the transdifferentiation of Club cells into goblet cells. RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry of Muc5ac and APQ5 showed that LHQK modulated mucus homeostasis by suppressing Muc5ac transcription and hypersecretion in vivo and in vitro, and maintaining the balance between Muc5ac and AQP5 expression. Network pharmacology analysis and NF-κB luciferase reporter system analysis provided insights into the active ingredients of LHQK that may help control airway mucus hypersecretion and regulate inflammation. CONCLUSION LHQK demonstrated therapeutic effects in AECOPD by reducing inflammation, suppressing goblet cell hyperplasia, preventing Club cell transdifferentiation, reducing Muc5ac hypersecretion, and modulating airway mucus homeostasis. These findings support the clinical use of LHQK as a potential treatment for AECOPD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjie Hao
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Tongxing Wang
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050035, Hebei, China
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Yunlong Hou
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050035, Hebei, China
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Xiaoqi Wang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuan, 050090, Hebei, China
| | - Yujie Yin
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050035, Hebei, China
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Ningxin Han
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Yan Ma
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuan, 050090, Hebei, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Yaru Wei
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuan, 050090, Hebei, China
| | - Wei Feng
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050035, Hebei, China
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Zhenhua Jia
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, China.
- Affiliated Yiling Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050091, Hebei, China.
| | - Hui Qi
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050035, Hebei, China.
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Peng W, Qi H, Zhu W, Tong L, Rouzi A, Wu Y, Han L, He L, Yan Y, Pan T, Liu J, Wang Q, Jia Z, Song Y, Zhu Q, Zhou J. Lianhua Qingke ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury by inhibiting neutrophil extracellular traps formation and pyroptosis. Pulm Circ 2023; 13:e12295. [PMID: 37808899 PMCID: PMC10557103 DOI: 10.1002/pul2.12295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
LHQK is a patented Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which is clinically used for acute tracheobronchitis, cough, and other respiratory diseases. Recent studies have proved that LHQK exhibits excellent clinical efficacy in the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI). However, the corresponding mechanisms remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects and the underlying mechanisms of LHQK on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in mice. The pathological examination, inflammatory cytokines assessments, and mucus secretion evaluation indicated that administration of LHQK ameliorated LPS-induced lung injury, and suppressed the secretion of Muc5AC and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β) in plasma and BALF. Furthermore, the results of cell-free DNA level showed that LHQK significantly inhibited LPS-induced NETs formation. Western blot revealed that LHQK effectively inhibited LPS-triggered pyroptosis in the lung. In addition, RNA-Seq data analysis, relatively bioinformatic analysis, and network pharmacology analysis revealed that LHQK and relative components may play multiple protective functions in LPS-induced ALI/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by regulating multiple targets directly or indirectly related to NETs and pyroptosis. In conclusion, LHQK can effectively attenuate lung injury and reduce lung inflammation by inhibiting LPS-induced NETs formation and pyroptosis, which may be regulated directly or indirectly by active compounds of LHQK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Peng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Hui Qi
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineHebeiShijiazhuangChina
| | - Wensi Zhu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Lin Tong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Ainiwaer Rouzi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Linxiao Han
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Ludan He
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Yu Yan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Ting Pan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Zhenhua Jia
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineHebeiShijiazhuangChina
| | - Yuanlin Song
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and BiosecurityFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Research Center for Chemical Injury, Emergency and Critical Medicine of Fudan UniversityFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Qiaoliang Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and BiosecurityFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Research Center for Chemical Injury, Emergency and Critical Medicine of Fudan UniversityFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Injury, Emergency and Critical Medicine of Shanghai Municipal Health CommissionFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Center of Emergency and Critical Medicine in Jinshan Hospital of Fudan UniversityFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sha A, Liu Y, Hao H. Current state-of-the-art and potential future therapeutic drugs against COVID-19. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1238027. [PMID: 37691829 PMCID: PMC10485263 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1238027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to endanger human health, and its therapeutic drugs are under intensive research and development. Identifying the efficacy and toxicity of drugs in animal models is helpful for further screening of effective medications, which is also a prerequisite for drugs to enter clinical trials. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) invades host cells mainly by the S protein on its surface. After the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome is injected into the cells, M protein will help assemble and release new viruses. RdRp is crucial for virus replication, assembly, and release of new virus particles. This review analyzes and discusses 26 anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs based on their mechanism of action, effectiveness and safety in different animal models. We propose five drugs to be the most promising to enter the next stage of clinical trial research, thus providing a reference for future drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ailong Sha
- School of Teacher Education, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing, China
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiyan Hao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Huang C, Qiu Y, Fang Y, Chen G, Xu X, Xie J, Hu Z, Zheng K, He F. Visual analysis of the prevention and control measures of COVID-19 in Chinese ports. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:80432-80441. [PMID: 37300729 PMCID: PMC10257174 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27925-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In 2022, COVID-19 solutions in China have entered a normal stage, and the solutions imported from ports have been transformed from emergency prevention and control measures to investigative long-term prevention and control measures. Therefore, it is necessary to study solutions for COVID-19 at border ports. In this study, 170 research papers related to the prevention and control measures of COVID-19 at ports from 2020 to September 2022 were retrieved from Wanfang database, HowNet database, Wip database, and WoS core collection. Citespace 6.1.R2 software was used to research institutions visualize and analyze researchers and keywords to explore their research hotspots and trends. After analysis, the overall volume of documents issued in the past 3 years was stable. The major contributors are scientific research teams such as the Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine Sciences (Han Hui et al.) and Beijing Customs (Sun Xiaodong et al.), with less cross-agency cooperation. The top five high-frequency keywords with cumulative frequency are as follows: COVID-19 (29 times), epidemic prevention and control (29 times), ports (28 times), health quarantine (16 times), and risk assessment (16 times). The research hotspots in the field of prevention and control measures for COVID-19 at ports are constantly changing with the progress of epidemic prevention and control. Cooperation between research institutions needs to be strengthened urgently. The research hotspots are the imported epidemic prevention and control, risk assessment, port health quarantine, and the normalized epidemic prevention and control mechanism, which is the trend of research and needs further exploration in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Huang
- Department of Scientific Research Education and Information Management, Fujian Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, 350012, China
| | | | - Yiliang Fang
- Fuzhou International Travel Health Center, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Guangmin Chen
- The practice base on the School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350012, China
- Fujian Provincial Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Fuzhou, 350012, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, 350012, China
| | - Xinying Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
- Digital Tumor Data Research Center, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Jianfeng Xie
- AIDS/STD Prevention and Treatment Institute, Fujian Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, 350012, China
| | - Zhijian Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
- Digital Tumor Data Research Center, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Kuicheng Zheng
- The practice base on the School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350012, China
| | - Fei He
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
- Digital Tumor Data Research Center, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li W, Li T, Zhao C, Song T, Mi Y, Chuangfeng Z, Hou Y, Jia Z. XiaoEr LianHuaQinqGan alleviates viral pneumonia in mice infected by influenza A and respiratory syncytial viruses. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:2355-2366. [PMID: 36444944 PMCID: PMC9809968 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2147961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Xiaoer lianhuaqinqgan (XELH), developed based on Lianhua Qingwen (LHQW) prescription, contains 13 traditional Chinese medicines. It has completed the investigational new drug application to treat respiratory viral infections in children in China. OBJECTIVE This study demonstrates the pharmacological effects of XELH against viral pneumonia. MATERIALS AND METHODS The antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects of XELH were investigated in vitro using H3N2-infected A549 and LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and in vivo using BALB/c mice models of influenza A virus (H3N2) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-infection. Mice were divided into 7 groups (n = 20): Control, Model, LHQW (0.5 g/kg), XELH-low (2 g/kg), XELH-medium (4 g/kg), XELH-high (8 g/kg), and positive drug (20 mg/kg oseltamivir or 60 mg/kg ribavirin) groups. The anti-inflammatory effects of XELH were tested in a rat model of LPS-induced fever and a mouse model of xylene-induced ear edoema. RESULTS In vitro, XELH inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokines and replication of H1N1, H3N2, H1N1, FluB, H9N2, H6N2, H7N3, RSV, and HCoV-229E viruses, with (IC50 47.4, 114, 79, 250, 99.2, 170, 79, 62.5, and 93 μg/mL, respectively). In vivo, XELH reduced weight loss and lung index, inhibited viral replication and macrophage M1 polarization, ameliorated lung damage, decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression in lung tissues, and increased the CD4+/CD8+ ratio. XELH inhibited LPS-induced fever in rats and xylene-induced ear edoema in mice. CONCLUSION XELH efficacy partially depends on integrated immunoregulatory effects. XELH is a promising therapeutic option against childhood respiratory viral infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Li
- Hebei Yiling Hospital, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Tongtong Li
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Chi Zhao
- Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Tao Song
- Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yao Mi
- Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zhang Chuangfeng
- Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yunlong Hou
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- National Key Laboratory of Collateral Disease Research and Innovative Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Shijiazhuang Compound Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Innovation Center, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zhenhua Jia
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Shijiazhuang Compound Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Innovation Center, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Yiling Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| |
Collapse
|