Effect of Quanzhenyiqitang on apoptosis of alveolar macrophages and expression of histone deacetylase 2 in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Quanzhenyiqitang on alveolar macrophages (AMs) in a rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, the induction of apoptosis and regulation of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) was studied to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of Quanzhenyiqitang treatment of COPD. Quanzhenyiqitang-treated serum was applied to AMs obtained from rats with COPD. A blank (control) group, an untreated serum group and an aminophylline group were also observed to evaluate the differences in AM apoptosis status, as well as the expression levels of caspase-9, caspase-8 and HDAC2. Compared with the control group, Quanzhenyiqitang-treated serum resulted in higher levels of caspase-9 and caspase-8 expression, increased apoptosis of AMs and increased expression of HDAC2 by AMs. In conclusion, Quanzhenyiqitang is capable of inducing apoptosis of AMs, which are the primary inflammatory cells in COPD, and modulating the expression of the important inflammatory factor HDAC2, producing an overall anti-inflammatory effect.