Transcriptomic and single-cell transcriptomic sequencing analysis of prevention of Dendrobium officinale flower extract on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in mice induced by cigarette smoke

Dendrobium officinale flowers possess anti-aging and nourishing properties for the skin; however, there is a notable deficiency in pharmacological research concerning chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To investigate the effects of Dendrobium officinale flower extract (DOFE) on the amelioration of COPD, 29 flavonoids present in DOFE were identified and quantified, which demonstrate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Pathological observation, RNA-Seq and ScRNA-seq analysis revealed that DOFE treatment decreased the up-expression of genes caused by cigarette smoke (CS), which includes receptors (TLR, TNFR, and NOD), transcription factors (AP-1, STAT1), and key proteins (HSP90, A20, MKP) that contribute to the generation of reactive oxygen species and activation of the NF-κB and NLRP inflammasomes. This resulted in a decrease in secretion of IL-1β, IL-5, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β in neutrophils and macrophages, suppressed the increase in alveolar macrophages. Together, DOFE alleviated pulmonary inflammation, restored antioxidant capacity, and prevented COPD induced by CS.