Bushen Tongluo decoction attenuates epithelial-mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix deposition in pulmonary fibrosis rats by inactivating Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway

Abstract

Abstract Context: Bushen Tongluo Decoction (BTD), a traditional Chinese herbal preparation that has shown efficacy in improving symptoms and enhancing the quality of life in IPF patients. However, the molecular mechanisms of BTD require further research. Objective: This study explores the protective effect of BTD in pulmonary fibrosis rats and elucidate its underlying mechanism. Materials & methods: Pulmonary fibrosis model was established using boromycin. Rats were divided into control, model, pirfenidone, high-dose BTD, low-dose BTD groups treating for 90 days. Laminin in serum, TGF-β1, IFN-γ, and IL-4 in BALF was measured using Elisa. Pathological changes were observed by HE and Masson staining. The expression of EMT markers (E-cadherin, cytokeratin 19, α-SMA, vimentin) and ECM markers (collagen I, collagen III) were assessed using immunohistochemistry. Levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin in lung tissue was measured by Western blotting. Results: BTD reduced serum Laminin levels, reduced the levels of TGF-β1 and IL-4 in BALF, increased IFN-γ levels in BALF. BTD alleviated lung pathological injury, decreased the lung expression of α-SMA, Vimentin, Collagen I, Collagen III, and increased the levels of E-cadherin, Cytokeratin 19 in rats with pulmonary fibrosis, indicating its ability to alleviate EMT in alveolar epithelial cells. Mechanistically, BTD significantly inactivates the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway in IPF. Discussion & conclusion: BTD alleviated lung fibrosis in rats with pulmonary fibrosis, alleviating lung injury, reducing ECM deposition, attenuating the EMT process, through inactiving the activation of the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway.