OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of dachengqi decoction (DD) containing serum on the expressions of caveolin-1 (CAV-1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs).

METHODSThe DD and the DD containing serum were prepared. The in vitro cultured HBECs were randomly divided into 7 groups, i.e., the normal serum control group, the LPS intervention group, the low dose DD serum containing group, the middle dose DD serum containing group, the high dose DD serum containing group, the Western medicine control group, the vehicle serum control group. The effects of DD containing serum at different doses on the mRNA and protein expressions of CAV-1, eNOS, and NF-kappaB were detected using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetry, Real-time PCR, immunocytochemical assay, and Western blot.

RESULTSThe mRNA and protein expressions of CAV-1, eNOS, and NF-kappaB at the basic levels were detected in the HBECs of the normal serum control group. After stimulated by LPS, the mRNA and protein expressions of CAV-1, eNOS, and NF-kappaB increased more significantly in the LPS intervention group than in the normal serum control group (P < 0.01), while DD containing serums at different doses all could suppress the mRNA and protein expressions of CAV-1, eNOS, and NF-kappaB.

CONCLUSIONDD containing serum could inhibit the expressions of CAV-1, eNOS, and NF-kappaB in LPS stimulated HBECs.