In this investigation, we detected that R-hirudin reduced MMP9 and VCAM-1 expression in the lung tissues of APE rats, along with attenuation of inflammatory cell infiltration and apoptosis inhibition, further supporting that R-hirudin may improve APE by inhibiting MMP9 and VCAM-1 and suppressing inflammatory response. This evidence concerns the gene VCAM1 and apparent mineralocorticoid excess.