Protective Effects of Dengzhan Shengmai Capsules against Bleomycin-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in C57BL/6 Mice

Objective: To evaluate the protective effects of Dengzhan Shengmai capsules(DZSM) on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis,and to discover new functions and applications for DZSM capsules.Method: All 40 C57BL /6 female mice were divided into four groups averagely and randomly: NS group,model group,DZSM group and N-acetyl-N-cysteine(N-AC) group.Pulmonary fibrosis mouse models were generated by intratracheally instilled of bleomycin solution and then treated with saline,N-AC solution and DZSM solution for 21 days respectively.The body weight and life state of each mouse was recorded every two days.After the last treatment,the lung compliance and resistance were tested using Buxco invasive lung mechanics machine.Lung tissues were collected after the mice were killed and observed following staining with HE solution or Masson's solution to estimate the inflammatory level and fibrosis degree respectively.bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) were collected for inflammatory cytokines assay.Hydroxyproline levels were also detected to estimate fibrosis degree.Result: The body weights and appetites were significantly decreased after giving bleomycin.DZSM solution(222 mg.kg-1.d-1) could retard the loss of body weights,slightly reduce the lung compliance and improve the lung resistance significantly(P 0.05).The inflammatory cytokines such as transforming growth factor-β(TGFβ),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β) in BALF and the hydroxyproline level in lung tissue were also significantly down-regulated(P 0.05).Furthermore,the inflammatory state and fibrosis level were also relieved in pathological specimens.Conclusion: DZSM could improve the weakness in bleomycininduced pulmonary fibrosis mouse models,ameliorate the lung compliance,lower the lung resistance,inhibit the inflammatory statement,decrease inflammatory cytokines levels and relieve fibrosis.