Aconitum septentrionale Koelle extract alleviates cigarette smoke and lipopolysaccharide-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in mice by modulating the MAPK pathway.

Abstract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aconitum septentrionale Koelle (ASK) exhibits multiple pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant activities, and is commonly used in Mongolian medicine to treat respiratory disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the pharmacodynamic effects and molecular mechanisms of ASK in a mouse model of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with a focus on the MAPK signaling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chemical profiling was performed using HPLC-Q-Exactive-MS. A laboratory-induced COPD model was established in mice using LPS and cigarette smoke (CS), followed by a 140-day treatment with ASK ethanol extract. Assessments included lung function tests, histopathology, qPCR, Western blot and transcriptomic analysis. RESULTS: 47 compounds were identified in the extract. Treatment significantly alleviated pulmonary inflammation and improved lung function in mice. Transcriptomic analysis revealed inhibition of the MAPK signaling pathway. The MAPK signaling pathway has been confirmed to be mediated by the ethanol extract of ASK to exert a therapeutic effect on COPD. CONCLUSION: ASK attenuates COPD by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway and may serve as a potential therapeutic candidate for COPD.