Gubenzhike Recipe Ameliorates Respiratory Mucosal Immunity in Mice with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease through Upregulation of the γδT Lymphocytes and KGF Levels

Abstract

Background. Gubenzhike recipe, a traditional Chinese herbal compound, was assumed to have a possible beneficial effect on COPD. This study was designed to elucidate the mechanism from the perspective of respiratory mucosal immunity. Methods. COPD model was induced by exposure to cigarette smoke and LPS instillation in mice for 12 weeks. Animals were administered solution of Gubenzhike recipe by intragastric gavage daily for 4 weeks. After that, mice were sacrificed for lung function test and histological examination of lung tissues. The levels of IL-6 and IL-13 in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and intestinal mucus were measured by ELISA. The KGF and KGFR in lung tissue were analysed by immunohistochemical staining, ELISA, and western blotting, and the mRNA expressions were assessed by PCR. γδT lymphocytes in the lungs were isolated and analysed by immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometry. Results. Gubenzhike recipe improved the structure of airway and damage of lung tissue and also the respiratory status and lung function, reduced the content of IL-6 in serum and BALF and IL-13 in BALF and intestinal mucus, increased the proportion of γδT cells in lung tissue, and promoted the secretion of KGF and KGFR (P<0.05). Conclusion. We for the first time demonstrated an experimental procedure for the isolation of γδT lymphocytes from lung tissue. This study suggested that Gubenzhike recipe could enhance the respiratory mucosal immunity which provided experimental evidence for its effects of reinforcing “wei qi” by means of strengthening vital qi, tonifying spleen and kidney, relieving cough, and reducing phlegm in TCM.

Baohe pill decoction treats diarrhea induced by high-fat and high-protein diet by regulating lactase-producing bacteria in intestinal mucosa

“…This is also evidenced by the trend in lactase activity in the intestinal mucosa that is consistent with microbial activity. In addition, the functional integrity of the intestinal mucosa is an important guarantee for the intestinal enzymes to play their role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and its impairment is detrimental to the expression of lactase activity in the organism ( Wang et al, 2020 ). Compared with the NM group, intestinal mucosal microbial and lactase activity decreased significantly by HFHPD intervention and increased significantly by BPD intervention.…”

Long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 regulates smoke-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease via targeting micro RNA -410-3p/IL-13

“…In an article of 2019, the concentration of IL-13 is raised in COPD and other lung disorders [ 39 ]. The expression of IL-13 in CD8 + T cells of COPD patients is obviously elevated compared to the smokers without lung dysfunction [ 40 ]. In asthma, intranasal miR-140-3p inhibits the inflammatory responses by suppressing the levels of eosinophils and IL-13 [ 36 ].…”

Effects of the Chinese herbal formula San-Huang Gu-Ben Zhi-Ke treatment on stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

“…Network pharmacology demonstrated that A. propinquus (Huang Qi) and Stemona japonica (Bai Bu) had the potential to improve inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis in the treatment of COPD ( Hu et al, 2020 ). Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Huang Qin), an important component of SHGBZK, has also been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in COPD rats ( Wang et al, 2020 ). However, there is limited evidence for randomized controlled trials on SHGBZK, thus, it is difficult to fully reflect the efficacy, characteristics and advantages of SHGBZK.…”