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

Yue-Qi Wang,Hong-Chun Zhang,Shi-Huan Tang,Qiang Liao,Zhe Cai

doi:10.1155/2020/3056797

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.

Highlights

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation caused by airway and/or alveolar abnormalities, is a preventable and treatable respiratory system disease, a common cause of death worldwide associated with a significant socioeconomic burden
Our research showed that in contrast to that in the blank control group, expression of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and keratinocyte growth factor receptor (KGFR) was significantly lower in the model group and increased to varying degrees in three Gubenzhike recipe groups. erefore, we concluded that reduction of KGF and KGFR was one of the COPD pathogeneses. e delay of inflammation and harmful substances removal made injury difficult to heal and defensive ability reduce and formed a vicious circle, which resulted in gradual aggravation
We found that IL-6 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as well as IL-13 in BALF and intestinal mucus of mice with COPD decreased after Gubenzhike recipe intervention

Summary

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation caused by airway and/or alveolar abnormalities, is a preventable and treatable respiratory system disease, a common cause of death worldwide associated with a significant socioeconomic burden. A large sample study showed that the risk of cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, diabetes, and lung cancer increased by 2–4 folds with a systemic inflammation measured by six inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, CXCL8, fibrinogen, TNF-α, and leukocytes). Gubenzhike recipe improved the structure of airway and damage of lung tissue and 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 cδT cells in lung tissue, and promoted the secretion of KGF and KGFR (P < 0.05). Is 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 We for the first time demonstrated an experimental procedure for the isolation of cδT lymphocytes from lung tissue. is 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

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion