Xiao-Chai-Hu Decoction Ameliorates Poly (I:C)-Induced Viral Pneumonia through Inhibiting Inflammatory Response and Modulating Serum Metabolism

Abstract

Viral pneumonia is widespread, progresses rapidly, and has a high mortality rate. Developing safe and effective therapies to treat viral pneumonia can minimize risks to public health and alleviate pressures on the associated health systems. Xiao-Chai-Hu (XCH) decoction can be used in the treatment of viral pneumonia. However, the mechanisms of XCH on viral pneumonia remain unclear. In this study, poly (I:C) was used to establish a mouse model of viral pneumonia, and the therapeutic effects of XCH on viral pneumonia were assessed. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of XCH on inflammatory response. Lastly, untargeted metabolomics were used to study the metabolic regulatory mechanisms of XCH on viral pneumonia model mice. Our results showed that XCH treatment decreased the wet/dry ratio in lung tissue, total protein concentration, and total cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). H&E staining indicated that XCH treatment alleviated the pathological changes in lung. Moreover, XCH treatment decreased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and lowered the ratio of CD86+/CD206+ macrophages and CD11b+LY6G+ neutrophils in BALF. XCH treatment also decreased the myeloperoxidase (MPO) and reduced the phosphorylations of PI3K, AKT, and NF-κB p65 in lung. Serum untargeted metabolomics analysis showed that XCH treatment could affect 18 metabolites in serum such as creatine, hydroxyproline, cortisone, hydrocortisone, corticosterone, hypotaurine, and taurine. These metabolites were associated with arginine and proline metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism processes. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that treatment with XCH can ameliorate viral pneumonia and reduce inflammatory response in viral pneumonia. The mechanism of action of XCH in the treatment of viral pneumonia may be associated with inhibiting the activation of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in lung and regulating arginine and proline metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism in serum.

Protective effects of Descurainia sophia seeds extract and its fractions on pulmonary edema by untargeted urine and serum metabolomics strategy

“…Chen and colleagues discovered that taurine can attenuate sepsis-induced lung injury through anti-inflammatory actions and antioxidative stress, reducing overexpression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β and neutrophil infiltration ( Chen, J. et al, 2021 ). Early studies also showed that abnormalities of the taurine metabolism of occurred in viral pneumonia and lipopolysaccharide-induced pulmonary injury ( Chen, F. et al, 2022 ). Hence, taurine is regarded as a potential agent for lung injury under various conditions.…”

Natural Chinese herbs for the prevention and treatment of acute pancreatitis: a narrative review

“…[64] It has antiviral and anti-infective properties, it can be used for treating COVID-19. [65] However, XD could be a potential drug for the treatment of AP by acting on the key genes of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), IL-6, and tumor protein 53 (TP53). [64] Yi-Yi mixture Yi-Yi mixture, an efficient Chinese medicine preparation composed of 4 herbal medicines, has been used in clinical practice in China for the treatment of AP for over 20 years.…”

“…Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant Pancreatic and biliary duct retrograde infusions of 5.0% sodium taurocholate (SAP) [65] P2X7/NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 IL-1β, Il-18…”

“…[64] It has antiviral and anti-infective properties, it can be used for treating COVID-19. [65] However, XD could be a potential drug for the treatment of AP by acting on the key genes of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), IL-6, and tumor protein 53 (TP53). [64]…”

Diammonium Glycyrrhizinate Inhibited Inflammatory Response and Modulated Serum Metabolism in Poly(i:c)-Induced Pneumonia Model Mice

“…Another study showed that, Qingwen Jiere mixture was able to treat viral pneumonia by regulating arginine, arachidonic acid, nicotinate, and nicotinamide metabolism processes (16). A recent study using untargeted metabolomics also indicated that the Xiaochaihu decoction could treat viral pneumonia by influencing serum metabolites involved in amino acids and taurine metabolism (17).…”