[Mechanism of Xuebijing Injection in ameliorating acute lung injury by promoting efferocytosis based on proteomics and experimental validation].

Researchers in China investigated how Xuebijing Injection, a traditional Chinese herbal formula, might help treat acute lung injury (ALI), a serious condition where the lungs become inflamed and fill with fluid. The study used rats with ALI induced by bacterial toxins to test whether this herbal injection could reduce lung damage and inflammation. The scientists used advanced protein analysis along with multiple laboratory tests to understand how the treatment works. They found that Xuebijing Injection significantly reduced lung swelling, decreased inflammatory chemicals in the blood (IL-17, IL-18, and IL-4), and increased anti-inflammatory molecules (TGF-β1). Most importantly, the research revealed that the herbal formula works by promoting a natural cleanup process called "efferocytosis," where immune cells in the lungs efficiently remove dead and dying cells before they can trigger more inflammation. The treatment increased key proteins (ProS1, MerTK, and Rac1) that help this cleanup process work better, while also reducing the number of cells dying in lung tissue. This suggests the herbal injection helps the body's own healing mechanisms work more efficiently. While this study was conducted in animals and focused on an injectable herbal formula rather than acupuncture specifically, it contributes to our understanding of how traditional Chinese medicine approaches may support the body's natural inflammatory regulation and tissue repair processes. If you're interested in exploring traditional Chinese medicine approaches for respiratory or inflammatory conditions, it's important to work with a qualified, licensed acupuncturist or TCM practitioner.

This rat model study (n=40 male SD rats) investigated Xuebijing Injection's mechanism in LPS-induced acute lung injury. Using proteomics, HE staining, ELISA, TUNEL assay, qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence, researchers demonstrated that Xuebijing (8 mL·kg⁻¹ for 3 days) significantly reduced lung W/D ratio, inflammatory infiltration, and serum inflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IL-18, IL-4) while increasing TGF-β1. Proteomic analysis revealed enrichment in efferocytosis-related pathways. Mechanistically, Xuebijing enhanced alveolar macrophage efferocytosis by upregulating ProS1, MerTK, and Rac1 expression, promoting apoptotic cell clearance and reducing overall apoptosis rates in lung tissue. KEGG pathway analysis confirmed involvement of efferocytosis, apoptosis, and inflammatory response signaling. Clinical relevance: This study elucidates a novel mechanism whereby traditional Chinese herbal formulations may ameliorate ALI through enhancement of innate immune clearance mechanisms rather than solely through direct anti-inflammatory action, suggesting therapeutic potential for severe respiratory inflammatory conditions.