Shenqihuatan formula(参七化痰方) reduces inflammation by inhibiting transforming growth factor-beta-stimulated signaling pathway in airway smooth muscle cells

摘要

OBJECTIVE:To study the effects and mechanism of Shenqihuatan formula(参七化痰方,SQHT)of the transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β)-stimulated cell processes in airway remodeling.METHODS:The current study examined cell viability using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay.Furthermore,a Transwell assay was conducted to detect the ability of cell migration,and apoptosis was detected via flowcytometry.Western Blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR)were used to determine the expression levels of apoptosis or inflammation-related factors,such as TGF-β,Interleukin-1β(IL-1β),B cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-Associated X(Bax),Ras homolog gene family,member A(Rho A),recombinant rho associated coiled coil containing protein kinase 1/2(ROCK1/2),extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2(ERK1/2),Snail,and Slug.Finally,the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)and Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase(TIMP-1)were admeasured by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay.RESULTS:The results demonstrated that SQHT inhibited the viability and migration,as well as the the F-actin formation and cytoskeletal reorganization of airway smooth muscle cells(ASMCs)stimulated by TGF-β.By monitoring the changes of critical regulators in the presence of the formula,it was observed that the expression levels of TGF-β,IL-1β,Bcl-2,Rho A,ROCK1/2,ERK1/2,Snail,and Slug were markedly suppressed,whereas Bax expression exhibited the opposite effect.Compared with a well-characterized Rho A pathway inhibitor,Fasudil,SQHT generated equivalent or even higher inhibitory effects on these processes in ASMCs.CONCLUSIONS:Collectively,these suggested that SQHT can reduce airway inflammation by inhibiting TGF-β-stimulated signaling pathways in ASMCs.These findings may provide a novel remedy for treating ASMC inflammation,which causes thickening and obstruction of the airway in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.