Uncovering the pharmacological mechanisms of GuBenZhiKe decoction in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by an integrative pharmacology strategy

We aimed to study the mechanisms of GuBenZhiKe decoction (GBZKD) in treating Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Components of GBZKD were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. ICR mice were exposed to cigarette smoke and administered lipopolysaccharide to establish a COPD model, followed by treatment with GBZKD. Lung function test, hematoxylin and eosin staining, electron microscopic observation, and immunohistochemistry assays were performed. The expressions of genes were examined using an antibody array, qRT-PCR and western blot. GBZKD reduced structural failure and inflammatory response in airways, terminal bronchioles, and alveoli of COPD mice. GBZKD suppressed the levels of α-SMA, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in COPD mice. GBZKD suppressed the mRNA levels of JAK1 and STAT3 , and elevated SOCS3 mRNA expression. GBZKD treatment significantly suppressed the protein levels of p-JAK1 and p-STAT3, and significantly elevated the SOCS3 protein expression. GBZKD alleviated respiratory tract injury by regulating the JAK-STAT pathway.