Kangxianhuanji formula and its component rutin ameliorate acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by targeting GLUT1 to suppress HIF-1α–mediated glycolysis

Background Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) is a life-threatening condition characterized by uncontrolled inflammation and progressive fibrosis, with limited effective therapies. Kangxianhuanji Formula (KHF), a traditional herbal prescription, has been used clinically for AE-IPF, but its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms and active constituents of KHF. Methods A bleomycin-induced AE-IPF mouse model was es