Bufei Decoction Improves Lung-Qi Deficiency Syndrome of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats by Regulating the Balance of Th17/Treg Cells

Abstract

Bufei decoction (BFD) has been applied to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for centuries as a recognized traditional Chinese herbal formula. However, mechanisms of BFD on COPD are unclear. This study conducts an inquiry into the underlying mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of BFD on COPD. A COPD rat model with qi deficiency in lungs was established through induction using cigarette and sawdust smoking combined with intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide following BFD treatment for 28 days. Changes in Th17/Treg cells of COPD rats with the syndrome of lung qi deficiency after BFD administration were verified using pulmonary function, ELISA, flow cytometry, histopathology, and Western blotting assays. The findings showed that BFD protected COPD rats from decreased lung function and lung injury. BFD administration reduced proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-17 secretion, promoted inhibitory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β secretion, decreased Th17/Treg cell ratio, markedly downregulated the Th17 cell transcription factor ROR-γt expression, and upregulated transcription factor Foxp3 expression in Treg cells. We speculate that lung tonic soup improved pulmonary qi deficiency in rats with COPD by regulating the balance of Th17/Treg cells.

Simultaneous Quantification of Nine Target Compounds in Traditional Korean Medicine, Bopyeo-Tang, Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Photodiode Array Detector and Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

“…in a ratio of 3:3:1:1:1:1 [ 4 ]. BPT has been widely used to treat respiratory diseases, such as lung qi deficiency, particularly in elderly men [ 5 , 6 ]. Among BPT’s herbal ingredients, M. alba (moracins, kuwanone E, and kuwanone G), R. glutinosa (acteoside), P. ginseng (ginsenosides), and S. chinensis (schisantherin B) have traditionally been used for diseases related to respiratory inflammation [ 7 ].…”

An Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometric Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Eighteen Marker Compounds in the Traditional Herbal Formula Bopyeo-Tang

“…(Schisandrae Fructus). BPT has been widely used in the clinical treatment of respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [ 1 , 2 , 3 ].…”

“…COPD is a disease that causes airflow obstruction and breathing problems, with symptoms such as chronic coughing, phlegm production, wheezing, and dyspnea [ 2 , 4 ]. The disease kills approximately three million people worldwide a year.…”

“…The disease kills approximately three million people worldwide a year. Smoking and exposure to harmful substances are the main causes; both are irreversible risk factors from exposure [ 2 , 4 , 5 ]. The worldwide prevalence of COPD is estimated at between 7.5% and 10% [ 6 ].…”

Retracted: Bufei Decoction Improves Lung‐Qi Deficiency Syndrome of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats by Regulating the Balance of Th17/Treg Cells

“…This article has been retracted by Hindawi, as publisher, following an investigation undertaken by the publisher [ 1 ]. This investigation has uncovered evidence of systematic manipulation of the publication and peer-review process.…”