Louqin Zhisou Decoction Inhibits Mucus Hypersecretion for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Rats by Suppressing EGFR-PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathway and Restoring Th17/Treg Balance

Protective effect of Xixin-Ganjiang herb pair for warming the lungs to dissolve phlegm in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease rats based on integrated network pharmacology and metabolomics

Xixin-Ganjiang herb pair (XGHP) is a classic combination for warming the lungs to dissolve phlegm and is often used to treat a variety of chronic lung diseases; it can treat the syndrome of cold phlegm obstruction of lungs. First, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to examine the composition of XGHP, and network pharmacology was used to predict its potential core targets and signaling pathways in the current study. Second, a rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was established for assessing the anti-COPD activity of XGHP, and metabolomics was used to explore the biomarkers and metabolic pathways. Finally, the sample was validated using molecular docking and Western blotting. The integration of metabolomics and network pharmacology results identified 11 targets, 3 biomarkers, 3 pathways, and 2 metabolic pathways. Western blotting showed that XGHP effectively regulated the expression of core proteins via multiple signaling pathways (downregulation of toll-like receptor 4 [TLR4] and upregulation of serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 [p-AKT1] and nitric oxide synthase 3 [NOS3]). Molecular docking results showed that the 10 potentially active components of XGHP have good affinity with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), TLR4, p-AKT1, and NOS3. Our findings suggest that XGHP may regulate glucolipid metabolism, improve energy supply, and inhibit inflammatory responses (TNF-α, IL-6, and MMP-9) via the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and HIF-1 signaling pathway in the management of COPD.

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

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.

Modified Qing-Zao-Jiu-Fei decoction attenuated pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin in rats via modulating Nrf2/NF-κB and MAPKs pathways

BACKGROUND

Qing-Zao-Jiu-Fei Decoction (QZJFD) is a famous herbal formula commonly prescribed for the treatment of lung-related diseases in the ancient and modern times. Trichosanthis Fructus (TF) and Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus (FTB) are widely used for treatment of cough and pulmonary disease. In order to identify a more effective formula for treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, we intend to add TF and FTB in QZJFD to form a modified QZJFD (MQZJFD). In this study, we aims to explore MQZJFD as an innovative therapeutic agent for pulmonary fibrosis using bleomycin (BLM)-treated rats and to unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

BLM was given to SD rats by intra-tracheal administration of a single dose of BLM (5 mg/kg). QZJFD (3 g/kg) and MQZJFD (1, 2 and 4 g/kg) was given intragastrically daily to rats for 14 days (from day 15 to 28) after BLM administration for 14 consecutive days.

RESULTS

MQZJFD was found to contain 0.29% of amygdalin, 0.020% of lutin, 0.077% of glycyrrhizic acid and 0.047% of chlorogenic acid. BLM treatment could induce collagen deposition in the lung tissues of rats, indicating that the pulmonary fibrosis rat model had been successfully established. MQZJFD have better effects than the original QZJFD in reducing the pulmonary structure damage and collagen deposition of rat lung fibrosis induced by BLM. MQZJFD could reduce the hydroxyproline content in lung tissues of BLM-treated rats. The biomarkers of fibrosis such as matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were remarkably reduced after treatment with MQZJFD. MQZJFD also have anti-oxidant stress effects by inhibiting the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), but enhancing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the level of glutathione (GSH) in the lung tissues of BLM-treated rats. Moreover, the MQZJFD markedly suppressed the over expressions of p-p65/p65 and p-IκBα/IκBα, but upregulated the Nrf2. MQZJFD also suppressed the protein expressions of p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, p-p38/p38 and p-JNK/JNK in the lung tissues of BLM-treated rats.

CONCLUSIONS

MQZJFD could improve the pulmonary fibrosis induced by BLM in rats via inhibiting the fibrosis and oxidative stress via suppressing the activation of NF-κB/Nrf2 and MAPKs pathways.

Ginseng Saponin Rb1 Attenuates Cigarette Smoke Exposure-Induced Inflammation, Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress via Activating Nrf2 and Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Objective

Cigarette smoke exposure is one of the major risk factors for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ginseng saponin Rb1 (Rb1) is a natural extract from ginseng root with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. However, the underlying mechanism of the Rb1 in COPD remains unknown. Therefore, we sought to explore the role of Rb1 in cigarette smoke-induced damage and to reveal the potential mechanism.

Methods

The cell viability and lactose dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were analyzed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and LDH release assays. We further investigated the inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress markers and analyzed the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways in BEAS-2B cells and COPD rat model following cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposure.

Results

Our results showed that CSE promoted inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress in BEAS-2B cells. Rb1 suppressed the inflammatory response by inhibiting expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β and inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Rb1 possessed the ability to hinder cell apoptosis induced by CSE. In addition, Rb1 concurrently reduced CSE-induced oxidative reactions and promoted Nrf2 translocation to nucleus. For in vivo study, Rb1 treatment alleviated CSE-induced lung injury, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) release and inflammatory reactions. Also, Rb1 treatment activated Nrf2 signaling and inactivated NF-κB signaling in COPD rats.

Conclusion

Rb1 attenuates CSE-induced inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress by suppressing NF-κB and activating Nrf2 signaling pathways, which provides novel insights into the mechanism underlying CSE-induced COPD.

Exploration of the Mechanism of Shengxian Decoction Against Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification

Shengxian decoction (SXT) is clinically used in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment. This study aimed to explore the mechanism and target genes of SXT acting on COPD. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between COPD and controls were identified and then performed enrichment analysis. The effective active compounds and corresponding target genes were obtained from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database. We also compiled COPD related genes from the GeneCards database. Through the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was performed to identify key genes. Molecular docking was used for docking of key genes and compounds. The expression of key genes was detected by quantitative real-time PCR in COPD patients and bronchial epithelial cells stimulated with cigarette stroke extract (CSE). We identified 1,458 intersected DEGs from GSE47460 and GSE57148 datasets. Compared with intersected DEGs, we obtained 33 SXT target COPD-related genes. PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and focal adhesion were enriched by these 33 genes, as well as intersected DEGs. According to LASSO regression, there were 12 genes considered as signature genes. Then we constructed active compounds and corresponding six target genes. Finally, HIF1A and IL1B were selected as key genes by combining PPI network. HIF1A and IL1B were all upregulated expression in COPD and CSE stimulated cells and recovered in SXT treated CSE stimulated cells. This study provides a scientific basis for the identification of active compounds and target genes of SXT in the treatment of COPD.

Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease as a Risk Factor for the Development of Central Nervous System Disorders

MAFLD/NAFLD is the most ordinary liver disease categorized by hepatic steatosis with the increase of surplus fat in the liver and metabolic liver dysfunction, which is associated with bigger mortality and a high medical burden. An association between MAFLD/NAFLD and central nervous system disorders including psychological disorders has been demonstrated. Additionally, MAFLD/NAFLD has been correlated with various types of neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. Contrasted to healthy controls, patients with MAFLD/NAFLD have a greater prevalence risk of extrahepatic complications within multiple organs. Dietary interventions have emerged as effective strategies for MAFLD/NAFLD. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway involved in the regulation of Th17/Treg balance might promote the pathogenesis of several diseases including MAFLD/NAFLD. As extrahepatic complications may happen across various organs including CNS, cooperative care with individual experts is also necessary for managing patients with MAFLD/NAFLD.

Effective Component Compatibility of Bufei Yishen Formula III Which Regulates the Mucus Hypersecretion of COPD Rats via the miR-146a-5p/EGFR/MEK/ERK Pathway

Background

The effective-component compatibility of Bufei Yishen formula III (ECC-BYF III) with 5 ingredients (ginsenoside Rh1, astragaloside, icariin, nobiletin, and paeonol) has been shown to protect against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The present study aimed to observe the effects of ECC-BYF III in a COPD rat model and dissect its potential mechanisms in regulating mucus hypersecretion via the miR-146a-5p/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/MEK/ERK pathway.

Methods

COPD model rats were treated with normal saline, ECC-BYF III, or N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Pulmonary function, lung tissue histology with H & E and AB-PAS staining, expression levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-1β, MUC5AC, MUC5B, and FOXA2 in lung tissues and the mRNA and proteins involved in the miR-146a-5p/EGFR/MEK/ERK pathway were evaluated.

Results

The COPD rats showed a significant decrease in the pulmonary function and serious pathological damage to the lung tissue. ECC-BYF III and NAC significantly improved the ventilation function and small airway pathological damage in the COPD rats. The goblet cells and the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, MUC5AC, and MUC5B were increased in the COPD rats and were significantly decreased after ECC-BYF III or NAC intervention. The expression levels of IL-4 and FOXA2 in the COPD rats were markedly decreased and were improved in the ECC-BYF III and NAC groups. ECC-BYF III appeared to have a potent effect in restoring the reduced expression of miR-146a-5p. The increased phosphorylation levels of EGFR, MEK, and ERK1/2 and the protein expression levels of SPDEF in the lungs of COPD rats could be significantly reduced by ECC-BYF III.

Conclusions

ECC-BYF III has a significant effect in improving the airway mucus hypersecretion in COPD model rats, as well as a protective effect against limited pulmonary function and injured lung histopathology. The protective effect of ECC-BYF III in reducing airway mucus hypersecretion in COPD may involve the miR-146a-5p/EGFR/MEK/ERK pathway.

Systematic characterization of the effective constituents and molecular mechanisms of Ardisiae Japonicae Herba using UPLC-Orbitrap Fusion MS and network pharmacology

Objective

Ardisiae Japonicae Herba (AJH), the dried whole herb of Ardisia japonica (Thunb.) Blume [Primulaceae], has been used in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China. However, the material basis and molecular mechanisms of AJH against COPD remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, we attempt to establish a systematic approach to elucidate the material basis and molecular mechanisms through compound identification, network analysis, molecular docking, and experimental validation.

Methods

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-Orbitrap Fusion mass spectrometry (UPLC-Orbitrap Fusion MS) was used to characterize the chemical compounds of AJH. The SwissTargetPrediction, String and Metascape databases were selected for network pharmacology analysis, including target prediction, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct a component-target-pathway network to screen out the main active compounds. Autodock Vina software was used to verify the affinity between the key compounds and targets. TNF-α-stimulated A549 cell inflammation model was built to further verify the anti-inflammatory effects of active compounds.

Results

Altogether, 236 compounds were identified in AJH, including 33 flavonoids, 21 Phenylpropanoids, 46 terpenes, 7 quinones, 27 steroids, 71 carboxylic acids and 31 other compounds. Among them, 41 compounds were selected as the key active constituents, which might exhibit therapeutic effects against COPD by modulating 65 corresponding targets primarily involved in inflammation/metabolism/immune-related pathways. The results of molecular docking showed that the key compounds could spontaneously bind to the receptor proteins with a strong binding ability. Finally, the anti-inflammatory effects of the three active compounds were validated with the decreased levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in TNF-α-induced A549 cells model.

Conclusion

This study clarified that AJH may exert therapeutic actions for COPD via regulating inflammation/immune/metabolism-related pathways using UPLC-Orbitrap Fusion MS technology combined with network pharmacology for the first time. This study had a deeper exploration of the chemical components and pharmacological activities in AJH, which provided a reference for the further study and clinical application of AJH in the treatment of COPD.

The Role of Respiratory Flora in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Large quantities of bacteria, including Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, colonize the surface of the respiratory mucosa of healthy people. They interact and coexist with the local mucosal immune system of the human airway, maintaining the immune stability and balance of the respiratory system. While suffering from chronic respiratory diseases, the microbial population in the airway changes and the proportion of Proteobacteria is increased in patients with asthma. The abundance of the microbial population in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is decreased, and conversely, the proportion of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria increased. The diversity of airway microorganisms in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is decreased, while pathogenic bacteria and conditional pathogenic bacteria are proliferated in large numbers. The proportion of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria is increased in patients with upper airway cough syndrome (UACS), which replaces the dominance of Streptococcus and Neisseria in the pharynx of a normal population. Therefore, a clear understanding of the immune process of the airway flora and the immune dysfunction of the flora on the pathogenesis of chronic respiratory diseases can provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of human respiratory diseases.

PI3K signalling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and opportunities for therapy

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease characterised by airway inflammation and progressive obstruction of the lung airflow. Current pharmacological treatments include bronchodilators, alone or in combination with steroids, or other anti-inflammatory agents, which have only partially contributed to the inhibition of disease progression and mortality. Therefore, further research unravelling the underlying mechanisms is necessary to develop new anti-COPD drugs with both lower toxicity and higher efficacy. Extrinsic signalling pathways play crucial roles in COPD development and exacerbations. In particular, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signalling has recently been shown to be a major driver of the COPD phenotype. Therefore, several small-molecule inhibitors have been identified to block the hyperactivation of this signalling pathway in COPD patients, many of them showing promising outcomes in both preclinical animal models of COPD and human clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the critically important roles played by hyperactivated PI3K signalling in the pathogenesis of COPD. We also critically review current therapeutics based on PI3K inhibition, and provide suggestions focusing on PI3K signalling for the further improvement of the COPD phenotype. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Proteomic Analysis of Differentially Expressed Proteins in the Placenta of Anticardiolipin Antibody- (ACA-) Positive Pregnant Mice after Anzi Heji Treatment

Anzi Heji (AZHJ) has been used to treat anticardiolipin antibody- (ACA-) positive pregnant women at risk of spontaneous abortion for many years. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective mechanism of AZHJ in a mouse model of ACA-positive pregnancy at risk of spontaneous abortion using label-free quantitative proteomics. Mice were divided into three groups: normal pregnant mice (control group), ACA-positive pregnant mice administered normal saline (model group), and ACA-positive pregnant mice administered AZHJ (AZHJ group). The model was established by injecting β2-glycoprotein I (GPI) into mice for 18 days. The DEPs and their functions were analyzed by label-free quantitative proteomic and bioinformatic analyses. The levels of IL-6, IL-10, ACA, and TNF-α in the serum and placentas of the mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Proteomic data were validated by western blot analysis. The abnormal serum and placental levels of IL-6, ACA, and TNF-α in the model group were reversed by AZHJ. There were 39 upregulated and 10 downregulated DEPs in the AZHJ group relative to the model group. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the DEPs were mainly involved in nucleic acid binding, signal conduction, and posttranslational modification. The placental levels of T-cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 (Tim-3) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression and AKT phosphorylation in the three groups were consistent with the proteomic findings. Tim-3/AKT signaling is involved in maternal-fetal immune tolerance, while TLR4 is associated with inflammatory responses. Collectively, these results indicate that AZHJ may exert its protective effect in ACA-positive pregnant mice by regulating the maternal-fetal immune tolerance and inflammatory response.

Evaluation of Naringenin as a Promising Treatment Option for COPD Based on Literature Review and Network Pharmacology

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by incompletely reversible airflow limitation and seriously threatens the health of humans due to its high morbidity and mortality. Naringenin, as a natural flavanone, has shown various potential pharmacological activities against multiple pathological stages of COPD, but available studies are scattered and unsystematic. Thus, we combined literature review with network pharmacology analysis to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of naringenin on COPD and predict its underlying mechanisms, expecting to provide a promising tactic for clinical treatment of COPD.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Neuroprotective Effect of Panax notoginseng Saponins by Activating the EGFR/PI3K/AKT Pathway

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated whether Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) extracted from Panax notoginseng (Bruk.) F. H. Chen played a neuroprotective role by affecting the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway in oxygen-glucose deprived (OGD) SH-SY5Y cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Different groups of OGD SH-SY5Y cells were treated with varying doses of PNS, PNS + AG1478 (a specific inhibitor of EGFR), or AG1478 for 16 hours. CCK8, Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis analysis, and LDH release analysis were used to determine cell viability, apoptosis rate, and amounts of LDH. Quantitative real-time PCR (q-RT-PCR) and western blotting were used to measure mRNA and proteins levels of p-EGFR/EGFR, p-PI3K/PI3K, and p-AKT/AKT in SH-SY5Y cells subjected to OGD.

RESULTS

PNS significantly enhanced cell viability, reduced apoptosis, and weakened cytotoxicity by inhibiting the release of LDH. The mRNA expression profiles of EGFR, PI3K, and AKT showed no difference between model and other groups. Additionally, ratios of p-EGFR, p-PI3K, and p-AKT to EGFR, PI3K, and AKT proteins expression, respectively, all increased significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that PNS enhanced neuroprotective effects by activating the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway and elevating phosphorylation levels in OGD SH-SY5Y cells.

Effective-component compatibility of Bufei Yishen formula II inhibits mucus hypersecretion of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease rats by regulating EGFR/PI3K/mTOR signaling

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The effective-component compatibility of Bufei Yishen formula I (ECC-BYF I), a combination of 10 compounds, including total ginsenosides, astragaloside IV, icariin, and paeonol, etc., is derived from Bufei Yishen formula (BYF). The efficacy and safety of ECC-BYF I is equal to BYF. However, the composition of ECC-BYF I needs to be further optimized. Based on the beneficial effects of BYF and ECC-BYF I on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), this study aimed to optimize the composition of ECC-BYF I and to explore the effects and mechanisms of optimized ECC-BYF I (ECC-BYF II) on mucus hypersecretion in COPD rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ECC-BYF I was initially optimized to six groups: optimized ECC-BYF I (OECC-BYF I)-A~F. Based on a COPD rat model, the effects of OECC-BYF I-A~F on COPD rats were evaluated. R-value comprehensive evaluation was used to evaluate the optimal formula, which was named ECC-BYF II. The changes in goblet cells and expression of mucins and the mRNA and proteins involved in the epidermal growth factor receptor/phosphoinositide-3-kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin (EGFR/PI3K/mTOR) pathway were evaluated to explore the effects and mechanisms of ECC-BYF II on mucus hypersecretion.

RESULTS

ECC-BYF I and its six optimized groups, OECC-BYF I-A~F, had beneficial effects on COPD rats in improving pulmonary function and lung tissue pathology, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and improving the protease/anti-protease imbalance and collagen deposition. R-value comprehensive evaluation found that OECC-BYF I-E (paeonol, icariin, nobiletin, total ginsenoside, astragaloside IV) was the optimal formula for improving the comprehensive effects (lung function: V_T, MV, PEF, EF50, FVC, FEV 0.1, FEV 0.1/FVC; histological changes: MLI, MAN; IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-9, TIMP-1, T-AOC, LPO, MUC5AC, Collagen I and Collagen III). OECC-BYF I-E was named ECC-BYF II. Importantly, the effect of ECC-BYF II showed no significant difference from BYF and ECC-BYF I. ECC-BYF II inhibited mucus hypersecretion in COPD rats, which manifested as reducing the expression of MUC5AC and MUC5B and the hyperplasia rate of goblet cells. The mRNA and protein expression levels of EGFR, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR were increased in COPD rats and were obviously downregulated after ECC-BYF II administration.

CONCLUSION

ECC-BYF II, which consists of paeonol, icariin, nobiletin, total ginsenoside and astragaloside IV, has beneficial effects equivalent to BYF and ECC-BYF I on COPD rats. ECC-BYF II significantly inhibited mucus hypersecretion, which may be related to the regulation of the EGFR/PI3K/mTOR pathway.

Comparative Analyses of mTOR/Akt and Muscle Atrophy-Related Signaling in Aged Respiratory and Gastrocnemius Muscles

Sarcopenia is the degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass and function associated with aging and occurs in the absence of any underlying disease or condition. A comparison of the age-related molecular signaling signatures of different muscles has not previously been reported. In this study, we compared the age-related molecular signaling signatures of the intercostal muscles, the diaphragm, and the gastrocnemii using 6-month and 20-month-old rats. The phosphorylation of Akt, ribosomal S6, and Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) in diaphragms significantly increased with age, but remained unchanged in the intercostal and gastrocnemius muscles. In addition, ubiquitin-proteasome degradation, characterized by the levels of MuRF1 and Atrogin-1, did not change with age in all rat muscles. Interestingly, an increase in LC3BII and p62 levels marked substantial blockage of autophagy in aged gastrocnemii but not in aged respiratory muscles. These changes in LC3BII and p62 levels were also associated with a decrease in markers of mitochondrial quality control. Therefore, our results suggest that the age-related signaling events in respiratory muscles differ from those in the gastrocnemii, most likely to preserve the vital functions played by the respiratory muscles.