Puerarin against Paraquat-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats

[Objective]To investigate the curative effect of puerarin on pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat in rats.[Methods] Model of paraquat induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats was adopted and treated with puerarin. On the day 3,7,14,28 after treated, the level of maleic dialdehyde (MDA), and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in blood serum, as well as the content of hydroxyproline(HYP) in pulmonary tissue were determined. The histological changes were observed, comparative analysis was conducted on lung cell damage and pulmonary fibrosis extent among rats groups.[Results] Puerarin could significantly reduce the levels of HYP in pulmonary tissue and MDA in blood serum, and increase the activities of SOD in blood serum. Pathological examination suggested puerarin can significantly improve the extent of experimental pulmonary fibrosis.[Conclusion]Puerarin has certain rapeutic effect on paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats.