Regulatory Effects of Xiaoqinglong Decoction and Its Formula Elements on Serum Ghrelin,Obestatin,and Skeletal Muscle COX4 in Rats with Cold Fluid Accumulating Lung Syndrome Model

ZHANG Di; CHEN Meng

Abstract：Objective To observe the changes of serum Ghrelin,Obestatin,and skeletal muscle COX4 expression in rats with the cold fluid accumulating lung syndrome under the intervention of Xiaoqinglong decoction and its formula elements. Methods 56 Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group,model group,Xiaoqinglong decoction group,Guizhi Gancao group,Shaoyao Gancao group,Jiangxinwei group,and Banxia Mahuang group,with 8 rats in each group. The rat model of cold fluid accumulating lung syndrome was established by the "coldness of body+drinking cold+cold bath" method for 5 weeks,and Xiaoqinglong decoction and its formula elements were administrated to treat the model rats for 2 weeks. The body weight of rats was monitored weekly. The parameters of FVC,FRC,MMEF,tI,and tE were measured by the lung function analysis system. The pathomorphological changes in lung tissue were observed by HE staining. Serum Ghrelin and Obestatin levels were detected by ELISA. The expression of COX4 in skeletal muscle was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot. Results Compared with the control group,the weight of the model rats was significantly reduced (P<0.01),and the lung function parameter FVC,FRC,and MMEF were decreased (P<0.01) while the time of tI and tE prolonged (P<0.05). The alveolar cavity of model rat was filled with edema fluid,and inflammatory cell infiltration,with bronchial mucosal epithelial adhesion. The expression of Ghrelin,Obestatin,and Ghrelin/Obestatin were decreased (P<0.01),and the expression of COX4 mRNA and protein in skeletal muscle decreased (P<0.01) in the model rats. Compared with the model group,the body weight of rats in each treatment group increased(Xiaoqinglong decoction group>Jiangxinwei group>Guizhi Gancao group>Banxia Mahuang group>Shaoyao Gancao group),and lung function improved,lung tissue edema status improved,inflammatory cell infiltration decreased,bronchial mucosal adhesion degree reduced,serum Ghrelin/Obestatin upregulated(Jiangxinwei group>Xiaoqinglong decoction group>Guizhi Gancao group>Banxia Mahuang group>Shaoyao Gancao group),and COX4 mRNA and protein expression increased in skeletal muscle. Conclusion The intervention of Xiaoqinglong decoction and its formula elements has a protective effect on rats with cold fluid accumulating lung syndrome. The mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of serum Ghrelin/Obestatin ratio and skeletal muscle COX4 content,and may exert its relieving effect by nourishing lung and spleen Qi.