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

OBJECTIVE:To 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.METHODS:The 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.RESULTS:1) 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).CONCLUSION:Body 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.