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

OBJECTIVE

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.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSIONS

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.