Effects of TGF-β and Smads signal transmission path on rats with pulmonary fibrosis

Objective To explore the influesnce of Huayulifei on the expression and significane of TGF-β,Smad3 and Smad7 on bleomycin-induced pulmonary interstitial fibrosis in rats.Methods The rats were randomly divided into control group,model group,Huayulifei group and hydrocortisone group.The rats were then intratracheally dripped with bleomycin in experimental groups,while 0.9% saline in control group.Treatments were started from the next day with a daily oral Huayulifei in Huayulifei group,intraperitoneal hydrocortisone sodium succinate in hydrocortisone group,and oral saline in control group and model,respectively.Rats were killed at 14 and 28 days after bleomycin,lungs isolated,hematoxylin and eosin-staining,and expression of TGF-β,Smad3,Smad7 protein was measured by immunohistochemical technique.Results The alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis in Huayulifei group was alleviated signgicantly compared with those in model and hydrocortisone group.The expressions of TGF-β,Smad3 protein were significantly lighter in model group and hydrocortisone group,the expressions of Smad7 protein were significantly higher in model group and hydrocortisone group.Conclusions TGF-β,Smad3,Smad7 can enduce important effect on blemycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats,Huayulifeifang can enduce prevention and cure by regulate the expression of these protein.