Effect of taurine on the expressions of transforming growth factor-beta1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin in rats with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Objective To study the effect of taurine on rats with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and its possible mechanisms. Methods 54 Spragne-Dauley rats were randomly assigned to receive intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (group T and group B, n=18 each) or saline (group CN, n=18). 6 rats in each group were sacrificed at day 7, 14, and 28 after intratracheal instillation. Hydroxyproline concentration was detected, histological changes of lung were evaluated by HE stain and Masson's trichrome stain, and expressions of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results As compared with those in group T and group CN, expressions of TGF-β1 and α-SMA were higher, the scores of alveolitis were higher at different times, and pulmonary fibrosis marks and hydroxyproline concentrations were higher at day 14 and 28 in group B. Conclusion Taurine can alleviate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats, which is probably through inhibiting the expressions of TGF-β1 and the transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts in lung tissue.