Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by various pathological lesions and an imbalance in the microflora. The Yi-Qi-Xuan-Fei Formula (YQXF) is a clinically effective formula with pharmacological potential to delay the progression of COPD. This study aims to explore the relationship between the therapeutic mechanism of YQXF and the microflora in COPD. Our study found that YQXF reduces inflammatory injury and inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue, repairs the intestinal mucosal barrier, and enhances immune function. Additionally, YQXF regulates the pulmonary and intestinal flora by increasing the abundance of Alloprevotella, Roseburia, Oscillibacter, and Lactobacillus, while reducing the abundance of Fusobacterium, Escherichia/Shigella, and Clostridium sensu stricto. Moreover, YQXF elevates the levels of short-chain fatty acids, which are produced by the intestinal flora. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that YQXF reduces inflammation levels in lung tissue and repairs the intestinal barrier in COPD rats. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory and tissue damage prevention effects of YQXF are based on its intervention in the pulmonary and intestinal flora. These findings provide valuable insights into the fundamental mechanism of the herbal formula YQXF and suggest that specifically targeting the intestinal flora could be a potential therapeutic approach for COPD.