YiQi GuBen capsule alleviates OVA-induced asthma through improving mitochondrial dysfunction

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore the effect of YiQi GuBen capsule on improving mitochondrial dysfunction in an animal model of asthma.Methods: The mice (n = 8) were divided into four groups including control (NC), ovalbumin (OVA), dexamethasone (OVA + DEX), and YiQi GuBen (OVA + YQGB) groups. Firstly, we established an OVA-induced mouse asthma model except for the NC group, which then were treated with dexamethasone and YiQi GuBen capsule. Subsequently, HE staining and Masson staining were used for pathological analysis of mice lung tissues. Next, we used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to observe the effect of the Yiqi Guben capsule on the ultrastructure of mitochondria. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the ROS level, membrane potential, and the number of mitochondria in lung tissue. Moreover, we analyzed the copy number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the expression levels of activator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM).Results: The results of the pathological analysis showed that after treatment with the YiQi GuBen capsule, the lung tissue damage was significantly reduced. In addition, we observed that the ultrastructural damage of mitochondria was improved. Flow cytometry proved that after treatment with the YiQi GuBen capsule, the level of ROS in the mitochondria was effectively reduced, while the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased and the number increased significantly. Moreover, we found that the copy number of mtDNA was significantly increased and the expression levels of PGC-1α and TFAM were significantly upgraded.Conclusion: This study suggests YiQi GuBen capsule can effectively improve mitochondrial dysfunction in the OVA-induced mouse model.

Keywords:

• ovalbumin
• allergic asthma
• YiQi GuBen capsule
• mitochondrial dysfunction

Availability of data and materials

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Authors’ contributions

Yibu Kong and Xiaoting Ren: Conceptualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. Zhongtian Wang, Hongjun Yu, and Aiai Dong: Formal Analysis, Investigation. Yongfu Song, Lie Wang, Yinan Guo, and Lina Wei: Data curation, Methodology, Validation. Liping Sun and Yongji Wang: Writing – review & editing. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (82205193; 82004421; 81974579); Science and Technology Development Plan Project of Jilin Provincial (20210101240JC); 2023 Youth Excellent Discipline Backbone Training Project of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (202302); Scientific Research Project of Jilin Provincial Department of Education (JJKH20230959KJ).