Qi-Long-Tian formula extract alleviates symptoms of acute high-altitude diseases via suppressing the inflammation responses in rat

• Main Authors: Xing Fu, Chunyan Yang, Bing Chen, Kexing Zeng, Siyuan Chen, Yi Fu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-02-01
• Series: Respiratory Research
• Subjects: Acute hypobaric hypoxia; Qi-Long-Tian; mRNA-seq; Acute high-altitude diseases; Inflammation
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12931-021-01645-8

Abstract Background Chinese Yunnan Province, located in the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau, is a famous tourist paradise where acute high-altitude illness common occurs among lowland people visitors due to non-acclimatization to the acute hypobaric hypoxia (AHH) conditions. Traditional Chinese medicine, such as Qi-Long-Tian (QLT) formula, has shown effectiveness and safety in the treatment of acute high-altitude diseases. The aim of this study was to clarify the therapeutic mechanisms of this traditional formula using a rat model in a simulated plateau environment. Methods Following testing, lung tissue samples were evaluated by hematoxylin–eosin staining and for biochemical characteristics. mRNA-Seq was used to compare differentially expressed genes in control rats, and in rats exposed to AHH and AHH with QLT treatment. Results Inflammation-related effectors induced following QLT treatment for AHH included MMP9 and TIMP1, and involved several phosphorylation signaling pathways implicated in AHH pathogenesis such as PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling. Conclusion This study provides insights into the major signaling pathways induced by AHH and in the protective mechanisms involved in QLT formula activity.