Pulmonary function was markedly decreased in the
COPD rats, and the lung tissue histology of the
COPD rats showed severe pathological changes. The pulmonary function and lung tissue morphology in the treatment groups (APL, BY, EA, and BY + EA) were improved. The increased levels of the inflammatory
cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and
IL-6 indicated a chronic inflammatory state in the
COPD rats. In the BY, EA, and BY + EA groups, the levels of IL-1β and
IL-6 were decreased, especially in the BY + EA group. In addition, the
mRNA and
protein expression levels of TLR-4, IκB, and NF-κB were obviously downregulated in the BY and BY + EA groups; and the NF-κB p65 activation was significantly decreased in the BY, EA, and BY + EA groups.
CONCLUSIONS: