Effect of Liuweibuqi Capsules in Pulmonary Alveolar Epithelial Cells and COPD Through JAK/STAT Pathway

Background/Aims: To evaluate the effect of Liuweibuqi capsules on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) through the JAK/STAT pathway. Methods: Lung function was measured with a spirometer. Changes in lung histology were observed using H&E staining. Cigarette smoke extract combined with lipopolysaccharide (CSE+LPS) was used to establish the cellular COPD model. Cytokine levels were determined using ELISA, and changes in the JAK/STAT pathway were evaluated using western blotting. The CCK8 method and flow cytometry were used to measure cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. Results: Liuweibuqi capsules reduced the damage in the lung tissues and the loss of lung function in the COPD rats. Additionally, the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, interferon γ (IFNγ), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 were higher, whereas IL-10 was lower in the model control (MC) and CSE+LPS groups than in the normal group. The phosphorylation levels of JAK1, JAK2, STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5 were higher and the levels of SOCS1 and SOCS3 were lower in the MC group and CSE+LPS group compared with the normal group. After Liuweibuqi capsule treatment, the expression of inflammatory cytokines and elements of the JAK/STAT pathway were lower. In addition, over-expression of STAT3 blocked the effects of the Liuweibuqi capsules on the release of inflammatory cytokines, cell viability and apoptosis. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that Liuweibuqi capsule might effectively ameliorate the progression of COPD via the JAK/STAT pathway.