Effects of Modified Gamchogeongang-tang on Lung Injury in a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Mice Model: An Experimental Study

Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of modified Gamchogeongang-tang (GGS01) on lung injury using a COPD mouse model. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were exposed to cigarette smoke extract and lipopolysaccharide and treated with GGS01 (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were analyzed using cytospin, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), flow cytometry analysis, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson’s trichrome staining, and immune histology fluorescent staining. Results: GGS01 significantly inhibited the increase in neutrophils in BALF, decreased immune cell activity in BALF and lung tissue, and inhibited the increase in the levels of IL-1α, TNF-α, IL-17A, MIP2, and CXCL-1 in BALF. Conclusions: Real-time PCR analysis showed that MUC5AC mRNA expression in lung tissue significantly decreased compared with the control group. The score of histological analysis of lung tissue damage was significantly reduced, and a decrease in IRAK1 and TNF-α expression in lung tissue was observed.