Effects of curcumin on pulmonary functions and the expression of TGF-β1 and NF-κB of paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis of rats

Objective To discuss the effects and the possible mechanismof curcumin on pulmonary functions and expression of TGF-β1 and NF-κB in paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis of rats. Methods SPF Wistar rats were randomly (random number) divided into three groups: paraquat-poisoned group(PQ group, with PQ 50 mg/kg by gavage ) , Curcumin-treatment group(PC group after 30, with curcumin (200 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection ) , and Blank group (B group , with same volume of sterile saline at the same time ). After 14 d , the lung function of rats was observed , and the expression of TGF-β1 and NF-κB protein were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results The survival rates of mice significant difference in the PC and PQ groups with(70.83% vs.41.67%, P<0.05). Compared with the B group, lung function index (Te, PIF, PEF, EF50, TV, F) of PQ group significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQ group, lung function index (Te, PEF, TV, F) of PC group significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01) .There are some expression of lung tissues of rats with TGF-β1 , NF-κB in B group .Compared with B group, PQ group significantly enhanced (P<0.01or P<0.05). Compared with the PQ, PC group significantly decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Conclusions Curcumin can relieve paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the over expression of TGF-β1, NF-κB in lung tissue of rats. Key words: Paraquat; Pulmonary fibrosis; Curcumin; Pulmonary functions; TGF-β1; NF-κB懂