The Bufei Nashen Pill Alleviates COPD by Targeting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Through the PERK/eIF2α Signaling...

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Limited evidence exists for the therapeutic efficacy of Bufei Nashen pill (BFNSP) in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Investigating BFNSP's effects on COPD progression and its underlying mechanisms is crucial for its clinical application.
• LC/MS analysis was employed to identify active components within BFNSP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the therapeutic effects of BFNSP on a rat model of COPD.
• To elucidate the potential mechanisms by which BFNSP influences COPD progression.
• To assess BFNSP's impact on pulmonary function, inflammation, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Main Methods:

• A rat model of COPD was established and treated with varying doses of BFNSP.
• Pulmonary function tests, HE staining, ELISA, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting were utilized.
• In vitro cellular assays were performed to confirm the findings.

Main Results:

• BFNSP treatment significantly improved pulmonary ventilation and reduced lung tissue damage in COPD rats.
• BFNSP decreased the secretion of inflammatory factors (TGF-β1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β) and alleviated oxidative stress (MDA, SOD, GSH levels).
• BFNSP inhibited endoplasmic reticulum stress by suppressing the PERK/eIF2α signaling pathway, evidenced by reduced GRP78 and CHOP expression.

Conclusions:

• BFNSP demonstrates therapeutic potential in mitigating COPD progression.
• The mechanism involves the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress through the suppression of the PERK/eIF2α signaling pathway.
• BFNSP may serve as a viable treatment option for COPD.