Inhibitory Effects of Agyo-eum and Modified Agyo-eum on Lung Injury and Muscle Loss in a COPD Mouse Model

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Agyo-eum (AGE) and modified Agyo-eum (mAGE) on lung injury and muscle loss in a mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods: C57BL/6 mice were challenged with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and treated with AGE (250 mg/kg) or three concentrations of mAGE (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg). After euthanasia, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were analyzed using cytospin, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), flow cytometry, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and Masson’s trichrome staining. Grip strength was measured using a grip strength meter, and running time was measured using a treadmill. Quadriceps muscle tissue was stained with H&E and Masson’s trichrome.Results: AGE and mAGE significantly inhibited the increase in neutrophils in BALF. mAGE significantly decreased immune cell activity in BALF and lung tissue. It significantly inhibited increases in TNF-α, IL-17, MIP2, and CXCL-1 in BALF. Real-time PCR analysis showed that TNF-α, IL-17, CXCL-1, and TRPV1 mRNA expression in lung tissue significantly decreased compared with the control group. Histological analysis showed that lung tissue damage was significantly reduced. Grip strength and running time of COPD mice were significantly decreased compared with the control group. AGE and mAGE reduced damage on histological staining of muscle tissue.Conclusion: This study suggests the potential of AGE and mAGE as therapeutic agents for COPD by inhibiting lung injury and muscle loss.