Huatanjiangqi Capsule Upregulating NRF2 and MRP1 Expression in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats

The therapy of Huatanjiangqi capsule (HTJQ) has been used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) clinically, with remarkable benefits. A lower functional activity of MRP1 is related to COPD development. However, the mechanism that contributes to MRP1 up-regulation by HTJQ was unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of HTJQ on the expression of Nrf2 and MRP1 in COPD rats. Rats were exposed to cigarette smoke plus lipopolysaccharide tracheal instillation to induce a COPD model. Then, Nrf2, HO-1, and MRP1 mRNA expression and their protein production in lung tissues were examined. The model group showed significant changes in the above assessments as compared to those of the control group ( p < 0.05). The lung function of model group treated with low/high dose of HTJQ was significantly strengthened (both p < 0.05), and the inflammatory cells and goblet cells were decreased in lung tissues. Treatment with low/high dose of HTJQ resulted in obvious increase in Nrf2, HO-1, and MRP1 mRNA and protein expression levels ( p < 0.05). HTJQ could up-regulate Nrf2 and MRP1 expression in lung tissues of COPD model rats. The mechanism by which HTJQ up-regulates MRP1 expression may be associated with Nrf2.