YiQi GuBen Formula Inhibits PDGF-BB-Induced Proliferation and Migration of Airway Smooth Muscle Cells

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> Increased proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) are key events in the development of asthma. YiQi GuBen is a traditional Chinese medicinal formula shown to effectively reduce the recurrence rate of asthma and induce anti-asthma effects through multiple pathways; however, its potential role in regulating ASMC proliferation and preventing bronchial asthma remains unexplored. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This study investigated the effects of YiQi GuBen formula on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced ASMC proliferation and migration by methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide, wound healing, transwell, and cell cycle assays. The influence of YiQi GuBen formula on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling-relevant proteins was measured by Western blotting, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay, and ELISA. <b><i>Results:</i></b> We found that pretreatment with YiQi GuBen formula had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on PDGF-BB-stimulated ASMC proliferation. It also suppressed PDGF-BB-induced ASMC migration and arrested PDGF-BB-induced cell cycle progression. Furthermore, YiQi GuBen formula suppressed PDGF-BB-induced expression of phosphorylated p65 and the release of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in ASMCs. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> In summary, our study shows that YiQi GuBen formula is able to significantly inhibit PDGF-BB-induced ASMC proliferation and migration by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway.