Effects of Xing Su San and Sang Xing Tang on HMGB1, TNF-α and IL-6 Expression in Rats Lung Tissue Injured by PM_2.5

Objective To investigate the effect of Xing Su San (apricot kernel and perilla powder) and Sang Xing Tang (mulberry leaf and apricot kernel decoction) on the expression of HMGB1, TNF-ɑ and IL-6 in the lung tissue of Wistar rats injured by PM_2.5.

Methods Thirty two healthy male SPF Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:a control group, a PM_2.5 group injured by instillation of PM_2.5 suspension, and other two experimental groups treated both by the instillation of PM_2.5 suspension and XING SU SAN/SANG XING TANG, respectively. Portable PM_2.5 sampler was used to collect atmospheric PM_2.5 in Wuhan industrial areas. Collected PM_2.5 sample was formulated into a suspension, the concentration of PM_2.5 was simulated to the environment for haze in the autumn, and the suspension was injected into rats by intratracheal instillation. The expression of HMGB1, TNF-ɑ and IL-6 in lung tissue was tested to explore the protective effect of XING SU SAN or SANG XING TANG on the lung tissue of rats injured by PM_2.5.

Results The expression of HMGB1, TNF-α and IL-6 in experimental groups, which were treated both by PM_2.5 instillation and XING SU SAN/SANG XING TANG, were statistically different from the group treated only by PM_2.5 suspension (P < 0.05); however, the expression of HMGB1, TNF-α and IL-6 in experimental groups was not different from the control group (P>0.05).

Conclusions The injury of PM_2.5 on the expression of HMGB1, TNF-α and IL-6 in the lung tissue of Wistar rats could be significantly relived by XING SU SAN or SANG XING TANG, which might have a certain protective effect on the lung injury induced by PM_2.5 in rats. These two traditional Chinese prescriptions might be expected to be an effective treatment method for the injury of haze on lung tissue in rats.