Antifibrosis effects of total glucosides of Danggui-Buxue-Tang in a rat model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Abstract Aim of the study The present study examined the antifibrosis effects of DBTG (total glucosides of Danggui–Buxue–Tang) on bleomycin-induced pulmonary injury and fibrosis in rats. Materials and methods Animals were randomly divided into six groups: (1) saline control group; (2) Bleomycin group in which rats were endotracheally instillated with bleomycin (5 mg/kg); (3–5) Bleomycin and DBTG group, in which DBTG were given to rats daily (16.32 or 64 mg/kg/day, i.g.) one day after bleomycin injection for 4 weeks until the end of the treatment; (6) Bleomycin and positive control group. Animals were sacrificed at 7, 14, and 28 days post bleomycin administration and lungs were removed. Lung specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson trichrome for histological evaluation of lung injury and fibrosis by light microscopy. Body weight and lung index from various groups were measured, as well as TNF-α, TGF-β1 and type I collagen concentrations in lung homogenates. Results DBTG reduced bleomycin-induced weight loss, decreased the lung index and histological evidence supported the ability of DBTG to attenuate bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and consolidation. DBTG could partly dose-dependently decrease TNF-α and TGF-β1 activity, as well as it decrease type I collagen expression in lung tissues. Conclusions The findings of the present study provide evidence that DBTG may serve as a novel target for potential therapeutic treatment of lung fibrosis.