Protective role of baicalin in the dynamic progression of lung injury to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The pathological progression of lung injury (LI) to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a common feature of the development of lung disease. At present, effective strategies for preventing this progression are unavailable. Baicalin has been reported to specifically inhibit the progression of LI to IPF. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to assess its clinical application and its potential as a therapeutic drug for lung disease based on integrative analysis.

METHODS

We systematically searched preclinical articles in eight databases and reviewed them subjectively. The CAMARADES scoring system was used to assess the degree of bias and quality of evidence, whereas the STATA software (version 16.0 software) was used for statistical analysis, including a 3D analysis of the effects of dosage frequency of baicalin in LI and IPF. The protocol of this meta-analysis is documented in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022356152).

RESULTS

A total of 23 studies and 412 rodents were included after several rounds of screening. Baicalin was found to reduce the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, HYP, TGF-β and MDA and the W/D ratio and increase the levels of SOD. Histopathological analysis of lung tissue validated the regulatory effects of baicalin, and the 3D analysis of dosage frequency revealed that the effective dose of baicalin is 10-200 mg/kg. Mechanistically, baicalin can prevent the progression of LI to IPF by modulating p-Akt, p-NF-κB-p65 and Bcl-2-Bax-caspase-3 signalling. Additionally, baicalin is involved in signalling pathways closely related to anti-apoptotic activity and regulation of lung tissue and immune cells.

CONCLUSION

Baicalin at the dose of 10-200 mg/kg exerts protective effects against the progression of LI to IPF through anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic pathways.