Protective effects of Dengzhanshengmai capsules on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice

Objective : To evaluate the effects of Dengzhanshengmai (DZSM) capsules, traditional chinese medicin, on bleomycin-induced murine lung fibrosis. Methods: Female mice were divided into three groups averagely and randomly: saline, bleomycin and DZSM group. Pulmonary fibrosis models were generated by intratracheally instilled of bleomycin and then treated with saline and DZSM solution for 21 days respectively. The body weight was recorded every two days. After the last treatment, the lung resistance was tested using Buxco invasive lung mechanics machine. Lung tissues were collected after the mice were killed and observed following staining with H&E solution or Masson's solution to estimate the inflammatory level and fibrosis degree respectively. BALF were collected for inflammatory cytokines assay. Hydroxyproline levels were also detected to estimate fibrosis degree. Results: The body weights was significantly decreased after giving bleomycin. DZSM solution (222 mg•kg-1•day-1) could retard the loss of body weights and improve the lung resistance significantly ( P < 0.05). The inflammatory cytokines such as TGF-β,TNF-α,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. Conclusions: DZSM capsules could improve the weakness in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse models, lower the lung resistance, inhibit the inflammatory statement, decrease the hydroxyproline levels and inflammatory cytokines levels and relieve fibrosis.