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The effects of taurochenodeoxycholic acid in preventing pulmonary fibrosis in mice
Chuan Zhou1, Youfei Shi, Jinlian Li
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai`an, China.
Abstract:
The present study prepared the pulmonary fibrosis model in mice by using Bleomycin and carry out the investigations on the effects of taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) in preventing pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Expression profiles of the bile acid receptors in the lung of mice FXRα and TGR5 were examined, and pulmonary coefficient, pathohistology as well as expression of TNF-α, MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2 in pulmonary fibrosis mice. The results showed that FXRα and TGR5 simultaneously expressed in the lung of the mice; TCDCA in dosages of 0.05 and 0.1g/kg can extremely significantly decrease the pulmonary coefficient in the model mice (P>0.01), TCDCA in a dosage of 0.2g/kg significantly decreased the pulmonary coefficient in the model mice (P<0.05); TCDCA in dosages of 0.05 and 0.1g/kg significantly reduce the pathological damages on their lungs; TCDCA can extremely significantly decrease the expression levels of TNF-α and TIMP-2 in pulmonary tissues in the pulmonary fibrosis mice (P>0.01), the expression level of MMP-9 extremely significantly increased (P>0.01), while it has no significant effects on MMP2. The results as mentioned above indicated that TCDCA had antagonistic actions on pulmonary fibrosis in mice.
Insights
Taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) shows promise in preventing pulmonary fibrosis. This study found TCDCA significantly reduced lung damage and inflammation markers in a mouse model, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive lung disease with limited treatment options.
- Bile acids and their receptors, such as FXRα and TGR5, are increasingly recognized for their roles in inflammatory and fibrotic processes.
- Investigating novel therapeutic agents for pulmonary fibrosis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the preventative effects of taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.
- To examine the expression of bile acid receptors FXRα and TGR5 in the lungs of fibrotic mice.
- To assess the impact of TCDCA on lung coefficient, histopathology, and inflammatory markers.
Main Methods:
- A mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was established using bleomycin.
- Mice were treated with varying dosages of TCDCA (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 g/kg).
- Lung coefficient, histopathological changes, and the expression of TNF-α, MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-2 were analyzed.
Main Results:
- FXRα and TGR5 were found to be co-expressed in mouse lung tissue.
- TCDCA significantly reduced the pulmonary coefficient and pathological lung damage in a dose-dependent manner.
- TCDCA markedly decreased TNF-α and TIMP-2 levels, while significantly increasing MMP-9 expression.
Conclusions:
- Taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) exhibits significant antagonistic effects against pulmonary fibrosis in a mouse model.
- The findings suggest TCDCA may modulate inflammatory and matrix remodeling pathways involved in fibrosis.
- TCDCA represents a potential therapeutic candidate for managing pulmonary fibrosis.