Antifibrosis effects of Shenge Yangfei Capsules on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats

Objective The present study, for the first time, was designed to examine the antifibrosis effects of Shenge Yangfei Capsules (SGYF) on bleomycin-induced pulmonary injury and fibrosis in rats. Methods Animals were divided into six groups randomly: saline control group, model group (bleomycin 5 mg/kg), and positive control group (Dexamethasone 5 mg/kg), and SGYF (70, 420, and 850 mg/kg/d, ig) group. Effects of SGYF on body weight and lung index were evaluated. For histological evaluation of lungs injury and fibrosis, lung specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson trichrome. Body weight and lung index from various groups were measured, and the concentrations of monoamine (MAO) and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) were also detected in lung homogenates. Results SGYF attenuated the bleomycin-induced weight loss and the lung index. Histologica levidence showed the ability of SGYF to decrease bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and consolidation. SGYF reduced MAO and TGF-β1 activity in lung tissues. Conclusions These findings suggest that SGYF may be a promising candidate to prevent bleomycin-induced lung damage or other interstitial lesions.