Jianpi Huatan Tongfu granule alleviates inflammation and improves intestinal flora in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical efficacy and mechanism of Jianpi Huatan Tongfu granule in treating acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). METHODS: Sixty patients with AECOPD were enrolled in either of two groups: integrative treatment (Western medicine combined with Jianpi Huatan Tongfu granule) (n = 30) and Western medical treatment (n = 30). Thirty healthy individuals were included in the control group. RESULTS: Compared with healthy participants, patients with AECOPD had elevated clinical symptom and dyspnea severity scores. Patients with AECOPD had worsened lung function, compared with healthy participants. The therapeutic efficacy for integrative treatment was superior to Western medical treatment. Inflammatory proteins and cytokines were significantly elevated in patients with AECOPD, including C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α; these were alleviated by both treatments, with more obvious effects for integrative treatment. Integrative treatment significantly changed the intestinal flora in patients with AECOPD, reaching levels comparable with those of healthy participants. Firmicutes abundance was significantly higher in healthy participants, whereas Bacteroidetes abundance was significantly higher in patients with AECOPD. After treatment, Verrucomicrobia abundance was significantly reduced in patients with AECOPD. CONCLUSION: Jianpi Huatan Tongfu granule could alleviate inflammatory responses and improve clinical therapeutic efficacy in patients with AECOPD.