Sparganii Rhizoma alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting fibroblasts differentiation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediated by TGF-β1/ Smad2/3 pathway

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a lethal lung disease, can lead to structural destruction of the alveoli until death. Sparganii Rhizoma (SR), primarily distributed in East Asia, has been used clinically for hundreds of years against organ fibrosis and inflammation. We intended to verify the effect of SR alleviate PF and further explore mechanisms. Murine model of PF was established by endotracheal infusion of bleomycin. We detected the anti-PF effect of SR through lung coefficient, hydroxyproline content, lung function and pathological staining. Then, we used Western Blot and RT-PCR to verify the mechanism. In vitro experiments, MRC-5 and BEAS-2B were induced to phenotypic transformation by TGF-β1 and then RT-PCR, WB and IF were conducted to verify the effect of SR. SR significantly reduced BLM-induced PF in mice, improved lung function, slowed the degree of lung tissue lesions, and reduced collagen deposition. SR alleviated PF by inhibiting fibroblasts differentiation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In vivo studies explored the mechanism and found that it was related to TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway. Our research proved SR could effectively treat PF, providing a fresh idea and approach for the treatment of PF with traditional Chinese medicine.