Objective: To discuss the efficacy of Yiqi Yangyin Tongbi prescription for rheumatoid arthritis and pulmonary interstitial lesions (RA-ILD) and investigate its effects on serum matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9)

MMP-1

transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and surface antigen of Ⅱ type alveolar table cells (KL-6). Method: One hundred and twenty patients were randomly divided into control group (60 cases) and observation group (60 cases) by random number table and randomized block design. Patients in control group orally took celecoxib capsules

0.2 g/time

2 times/day.Cyclophosphamide tablets

100 mg/time

1 time/every 2 days.Prednisolone tablets

30 mg/time

1 time/day on every morning

and the dose was decreased after taking effect. Based on the treatment of control group

patients in observation group added Yiqi Yangyin Tongbi prescription

1 dose/day. The treatment course was 6 months for both groups. Before and after treatment

high resolution-CT (HRCT) was conducted and graded

and symptoms and signs were graded. Lung function

total lung capacity (TLC)

forced vital capacity (FVC)

forced vital capacity per minute (FEV1)

maximal voluntary ventilation per minute (MVV) and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) were detected before and after treatment. Levels of MMP-9

MMP-1

TGF-β1 and KL-6 were detected before and after treatment. Result: After treatment

scores of HRCT

symptoms and signs of patients in observation group were lower than those in control group (P<0.01). Levels of TLC

FVC

FEV1%

MVV and DLCO in observation group were higher than those in control group after treatment (P<0.05

P<0.01).The levels of MMP-9

TGF-β1 and KL-6 were lower than those in control group

and level of MMP-1 was higher than that in control group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Yiqi Yangyin Tongbi prescription based on the immunosuppressive agents and hormone therapy can reduce score of HRCT

reduce area and degree of interstitial lung disease

ameliorate patients lung function

and relieve clinical symptoms. The mechanism may be associated with regulating levels of MMP-9

TGF-β1

KL-6 and MMP-1.