The mechanism of italicBuyuan Decoction/italic （补元汤） in improving skeletal muscle atrophy in COPD rats through regulating oxidative stress via the P62/Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway

Key Points

• This research investigates how Buyuan Decoction affects skeletal muscle atrophy in COPD through the P62/Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
• Utilized 18 SD rats divided into three groups: control, model, and treatment.
• Established COPD with muscle atrophy through smoke exposure and LPS administration.
• Administered Buyuan Decoction for four weeks after twelve weeks of modeling.
• Assessed lung function and oxidative stress markers via ELISA and other techniques.
• Performed RT-PCR and Western blot to measure expression levels of key proteins and mRNA.
• Significant improvements in lung function metrics (PEF, PIF, EV) in the treatment group.
• Observed reduction in pathological damage in lung and muscle tissues, with increased SOD and CAT activity.
• Marked increase in the expression of HO-1 and NQO1 proteins.
• Elevated levels of P62 and Nrf2, alongside a decrease in Keap1 expression in skeletal muscle.
• Enhanced grip strength, body weight, and grid time in the Buyuan Decoction group.