Inflammatory responses of the rat lungs in cold-dryness syndrome in the northwest of China

ObjectiveTo examine changes in body weight and the lung inflammation factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in a rat model of cold-dryness syndrome in Northwest (Xinjiang) China to provide a reference for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with local peculiarities.MethodsThe rat COPD model was established by intratracheal instillation of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) in combination with cigarette smoking (CS). The rat model of cold-dryness syndrome of COPD in the northwest of China was set up by intratracheal instillation of PPE in combination with CS and environmental cold-dryness stress. The level of IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α in Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data were analyzed using the software SPSS 11.5.Results1) Body weight was less in the two model groups than that of control group (P<0.01), PPE plus CS cold-dryness group was less than that of PPE plus CS group (P<0.01). 2) IL-1β in BALF significantly increased in PPE plus CS and cold-dryness group than that of control group (P<0.01). 3) IL-8 and TNF-α in BALF significantly increased in PPE plus CS and cold-dryness group and PPE plus CS group than that of control group (P<0.01).ConclusionBody weight in COPD model rats was reduced compared with controls. Cold-dryness may aggravate such a condition Lung inflammation in the model was mainly manifested by an increase in IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α levels, with no change in IL-10 levels. Cold-dryness may aggravate lung inflammation of COPD.