5. PFD in combination with BIBF is more effective in improving
pulmonary function than the monotherapy in late silicosis mice.
In consideration of the assessment findings from previous monotherapy
experiments, our therapeutic approach in combination drug administration
entails the utilization of high-dose PFD, high-dose BIBF, as well as the
concurrent administration of PFD and BIBF at both high and low dosages
(Fig 6A). Our evaluation commenced with an examination of pulmonary
function as the initial parameter to gauge the effectiveness of the
combination therapy at a holistic level. Primarily, by focusing on the
pulmonary capacity indicator IC (Fig 6B) and FVC (Fig 6C), we observed
that combination therapy outperformed monotherapy in augmenting lung
volume. Importantly, the efficacy of the combined intervention remained
relatively consistent across both high and low dosage regimens. The
subsequent area of investigation pertained to the flow rate indicator,
wherein it was found that combination therapy exhibited equivalent
efficacy to PFD monotherapy in enhancing FEV100 (Fig 6D). However,
combination therapy showed a significant superiority in the enhancement
of MMEF (Fig 6E). Additionally, the combined administration approach
also exhibited enhanced efficacy over monotherapy in terms of resistance
and compliance, leading to reduced resistance (Fig 6F) and improved
dynamic (Fig 6G) and static compliance (Fig 6H). From multiple
perspectives, including lung capacity, flow rate, resistance, and
compliance, the combined administration approach demonstrated superior
outcomes. Hence, it is a promising candidate for novel antifibrotic
therapy, warranting further investigation through clinical trials and
potential implementation.