Feitai, a Chinese medicine formulation, has been shown to protect against lung fibrosis induced by bleomycin (BLM). In the present study, we investigated the effect of Feitai on transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), which play important roles in the pathogenesis of BLM-induced lung fibrosis. The results demonstrated that Feitai could significantly attenuate BLM-induced acute lung inflammation and subsequent lung fibrosis. Meanwhile, the expression of MCP-1 and TGF-beta1 mRNA in the lungs increased in the BLM-treated group compared with the saline-instilled control group and Feitai treatment significantly decreased cytokine expression in BLM-treated mice. In addition, Feitai diminished the accumulation of MCP-1- and TGF-beta1-positive cells in lung tissues at the time of peak mRNA levels. In summary, the results of the present study indicate that treatment with Feitai ameliorates BLM-induced lung fibrosis, at least in part via the inhibition of MCP-1 and TGF-beta1 expression.
American ginseng (Panax Quinquefolium L), also known as Xi Yang Shen (西洋参 Radix Panacis Quinquefolii), is indigenous to the United States and Canada. Its discovery in the 1700s paved the way for international trade, which boosted the economy of the New World and helped build commercial ties between the US and China. Due to its therapeutic effects, the demand for American ginseng grew steadily, eventually causing the volume of wild ginseng to dwindle. As a result, laws and regulations were introduced requiring farmers and exporters to engage in harvesting practices that would preserve wild American ginseng. Nowadays, wild American ginseng is considered an endangered and protected species. This article discusses the history, properties, and applications of American ginseng to optimize its use and protection.
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