The modified Fangji Huangqi decoction ameliorates Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) by down-regulating IL-33 expression to inhibit neutrophil recruitment.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder with complex pathogenesis and multiple contributing factors. Modified Fangji Huangqi decoction (MFJHQ), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has demonstrated clinical efficacy in COPD treatment. However, the pharmacological roles and underlying mechanisms of MFJHQ in treating COPD remain unclear.

AIM OF STUDY: To investigate the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of MFJHQ in the treatment of COPD.

METHODS

COPD models were established in vitro using alveolar organoid (AOs) and 16 Human Bronchial Epithelial (16HBE) cells separately, induced by porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) and in vivo in PPE-induced COPD mice. MFJHQ was administered via gavage for three weeks. RNA-sequencing and network pharmacology were employed to elucidate potential mechanisms of action.

RESULTS

In vitro, MFJHQ enhanced epithelial barrier integrity by reducing permeability and upregulating zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) expression. In vivo, MFJHQ effectively improved pulmonary function, alleviated emphysema and airway obstruction, and protected the lung structure from damage. Mechanistically, based on the results of RNA-sequencing and network pharmacology and subsequent experiments MFJHQ inhibited IL-33 and its downstream NF-κB signaling and CXCL5 expression, thereby reducing neutrophil recruitment in lung tissues.

CONCLUSION

MFJHQ ameliorates COPD progression by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration through suppression of IL-33 and CXCL5, providing a new therapeutic strategy for COPD.