Qufeng Jiejing formula ameliorated the injury of airway smooth muscle cells induced by platelet-derived growth factor-BB through the transforming growth factor-β1/Smads signaling pathway.

Objective: To explore the role and mechanism of Qufeng Jiejing (，QFJJ) formula in the asthma progression.

Methods: The Bagg Albino/c mice treated with Ovalbumin and AL(OH)3, and airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) treated with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB to establish a asthma model in vivo and in vitro. The cell morphology was observed with microscope and immunofluorescence staining. The cell viability was assessed with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. The tumor necrosis factor-αlpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), laminin, fibronectin and collagen IV levels in the ASMCs were detected with corresponding enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits. Transwell and wound healing assays were conducted to test the cell migration. The TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 levels were measured with Western blot.

Results: We found that QFJJ formula treatment dramatically decreased the cell viability, TNF-α, IL-1β, laminin, fibronectin and collagen IV levels in the PDGF-BB stimulated ASMCs. Additionally, the protein levels of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 in the PDGF-BB stimulated ASMCs were prominently depleted after QFJJ formula treatment. Besides, SRI treatment neutralized the role of QFJJ formula in the PDGF-BB stimulated ASMCs.

Conclusion: QFJJ formula effectively relieved the asthma progression through ameliorate the ASMCs function, which was achieved through suppressing the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.