Effect of Qi Ling Gui Fu Prescription on Improving Oxidative Stress and Inflammation on Multi-Tissue Fibrosis: Experimental Study

This study was designed to explore the effects of Qi Ling Gui Fu Prescription on tissue fibrosis in broilers with ascites syndrome (AS). A total of 120 8-day-old Ross broilers were randomly divided into six groups: the Blank group (B group), the Model group (M group), the High and Low dose of Qi Ling Gui Fu Prescription groups (H and L groups), the Positive Chinese medicine group (P group), and the L-arginine group (L-arg group). The broilers at 35 days old were dissected to record the ascites heart index (AHI). The collagen fibers in the lung were observed using Masson’s trichrome stain, and the indexes of serum oxidative stress were measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the contents of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, and IL-1β in different tissues. Compared to the B group, the ascites heart index in the M group was significantly increased (P < 0.01); the results of Masson’s trichrome stain showed an accumulation of collagen fiber in lung tissue; there was no significant difference in serum concentration of glutathione peroxidase (P > 0.05); the malondialdehyde concentration was notably elevated (P < 0.01), while the superoxide dismutase concentration was markedly decreased (P < 0.05); moreover, the contents of tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-4, and IL-1β proteins were considerably raised in all tissues (P < 0.01), while the content of IL-10 protein was significantly reduced (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Relative to the M group, the above indexes in all treatment groups were improved to different degrees (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), with the H group showing the most significant effect. Qi Ling Gui Fu Prescription and L-arg can improve the fibrosis of broilers with AS by mediating oxidative stress, and moderating inflammatory responses. Notably, the effect of a high dose of Qi Ling Gui Fu Prescription was better, which can prevent and treat AS in broilers more effectively.