Senegenin Ameliorate Acute Lung Injury Through Reduction of Oxidative Stress and Inhibition of Inflammation in Cecal Ligation and Puncture-Induced Sepsis Rats

Senegenin Attenuates Pulmonary Fibrosis by Inhibiting Oxidative-Stress-Induced Epithelial Cell Senescence through Activation of the Sirt1/Pgc-1α Signaling Pathway

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a fatal interstitial lung disease for which effective drug therapies are lacking. Senegenin, an effective active compound from the traditional Chinese herb Polygala tenuifolia Willd, has been shown to have a wide range of pharmacological effects. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of senegenin on pulmonary fibrosis and their associated mechanisms of action. We found that senegenin inhibited the senescence of epithelial cells and thus exerted anti-pulmonary-fibrosis effects by inhibiting oxidative stress. In addition, we found that senegenin promoted the expression of Sirt1 and Pgc-1α and that the antioxidative and antisenescent effects of senegenin were suppressed by specific silencing of the Sirt1 and Pgc-1α genes, respectively. Moreover, the senegenin-induced effects of antioxidation, antisenescence of epithelial cells, and antifibrosis were inhibited by treatment with Sirt1 inhibitors in vivo. Thus, the Sirt1/Pgc-1α pathway exerts its antifibrotic effect on lung fibrosis by mediating the antioxidative and antisenescent effects of senegenin.

Mechanisms of Sepsis-Induced Acute Lung Injury and Advancements of Natural Small Molecules in Its Treatment

Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI), characterized by widespread lung dysfunction, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to the lack of effective pharmacological treatments available clinically. Small-molecule compounds derived from natural products represent an innovative source and have demonstrated therapeutic potential against sepsis-induced ALI. These natural small molecules may provide a promising alternative treatment option for sepsis-induced ALI. This review aims to summarize the pathogenesis of sepsis and potential therapeutic targets. It assembles critical updates (from 2014 to 2024) on natural small molecules with therapeutic potential against sepsis-induced ALI, detailing their sources, structures, effects, and mechanisms of action.

Investigation of the protective activity of baicalein on the lungs via regulation of various cellular responses in rats exposed to experimental sepsis

Backgrounds

In the present study, a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced experimental sepsis rat model was used to explore the effects of baicalein on inflammatory cytokine levels and oxidative stress as well as the possible regulatory role of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB).

Methods

For that purpose, 42 Wistar albino rats were equally divided into control, sham, sepsis, B50 + S, B100 + S, S + B50, and S + B100 groups. The B50 + S and B100 + S groups received baicalein before the induction of sepsis, while the S + B50 and S + B100 groups received baicalein afterwards. Experimental sepsis in related groups is generated through ligation of cecum and a puncture in cecal wall. Serum samples were used for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) analyses, and tissue Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione (GSH), IL-6, and NF-κB levels were measured.

Results

Compared to the control group, there were significantly increases in the serum TNF-α, IL-6, tissue MDA, and NF-κB levels and decreases in the tissue SOD and GSH levels in the septic group (P < 0.05). Compared to the septic group, inflammation and oxidative stress were reduced in the baicalein-treated groups. Although all of the pre- and post-treatment protocols alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress to varying degrees, pre-treatment with 100 mg/kg was the most successful.

Conclusions

Findings of this study indicated that baicalein has the potential to reduce sepsis-related oxidative stress and inflammation in the lungs and that pathological outcomes could be regulated via NF-κB transcription factor activity.

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine Ameliorates BPAF-Induced Porcine Sertoli Cell Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest via Inhibiting the ROS Level

Bisphenol AF (BPAF) is a newly identified contaminant in the environment that has been linked to impairment of the male reproductive system. However, only a few studies have systematically studied the mechanisms underlying BPAF-induced toxicity in testicular Sertoli cells. Hence, this study primarily aims to explore the toxic mechanism of BPAF on the porcine Sertoli cell line (ST cells). The effects of various concentrations of BPAF on ST cell viability and cytotoxicity were evaluated using the Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The results demonstrated that exposure to a high concentration of BPAF (above 50 μM) significantly inhibited ST cell viability due to marked cytotoxicity. Flow cytometry analysis further confirmed that BPAF facilitated apoptosis and induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Moreover, BPAF exposure upregulated the expression of pro-apoptotic markers BAD and BAX while downregulating anti-apoptotic and cell proliferation markers BCL-2, PCNA, CDK2, and CDK4. BPAF exposure also resulted in elevated intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), alongside reduced activities of the antioxidants glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Furthermore, the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) effectively blocked BPAF-triggered apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Therefore, this study suggests that BPAF induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in ST cells by activating ROS-mediated pathways. These findings enhance our understanding of BPAF's role in male reproductive toxicity and provide a foundation for future toxicological assessments.

Pinealectomy and melatonin administration in rats: their effects on pulmonary edema induced by α-naphthylthiourea

We aimed to observe the possible effects of melatonin (MLT) deprivation (pinealectomy) and exogenous MLT administration on pulmonary edema induced by alpha-naphthylthiourea (ANTU), a toxic chemical agent, in rats. Seventy animals were assigned to seven groups: control, sham pinealectomy (PINX), PINX, ANTU (10 mg/kg intraperitoneal on day 30), ANTU + MLT (10 mg/kg/day i.p. for 30 days), ANTU + PINX, and ANTU + PINX + MLT.In this study, pleural effusion (PE) formation, lung weight/body weight (LW/BW) and PE/BW ratios (fluid accumulation and weight values in the lungs) increase detected. Pre-ANTU MLT administration led to significant decreases in PE, LW/BW, and PE/BW levels. The inhibited glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and high malondialdehyde (MDA) levels that ANTU increase lipid peroxidation in the study. MLT administration eliminated oxidative stress by reducing MDA and ameliorating GSH and SOD levels.Pre-ANTU MLT administration led to a significant decrease in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in the lung when compared to the ANTU group without MLT administration. Post-pinealectomy ANTU administration significantly increased IL-1β and TNF-α levels when compared to ANTU and MLT administration without pinealectomy. Diffused inflammatory cell infiltration, interstitial pulmonary edema, and histopathological congestion were observed after the administration of ANTU. Severity of the damage was elevated in the ANTU + PINX group. MLT treatment regressed pulmonary effusion and edema and improves lung structure. In brief, the findings suggested that MLT inhibited proinflammatory mediators and could serve as a therapeutic agent to prevent inflammatory disorders.

Trained immunity in monocyte/macrophage: Novel mechanism of phytochemicals in the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the pathology of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD), characterized by persistent chronic inflammation in the vessel wall, in which monocytes/macrophages play a key role. It has been reported that innate immune system cells can assume a persistent proinflammatory state after short stimulation with endogenous atherogenic stimuli. The pathogenesis of AS can be influenced by this persistent hyperactivation of the innate immune system, which is termed trained immunity. Trained immunity has also been implicated as a key pathological mechanism, leading to persistent chronic inflammation in AS. Trained immunity is mediated via epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming and occurs in mature innate immune cells and their bone marrow progenitors. Natural products are promising candidates for novel pharmacological agents that can be used to prevent or treat cardiovascular diseases (CVD). A variety of natural products and agents exhibiting antiatherosclerotic abilities have been reported to potentially interfere with the pharmacological targets of trained immunity. This review describes in as much detail as possible the mechanisms involved in trained immunity and how phytochemicals of this process inhibit AS by affecting trained monocytes/macrophages.

Can natural products modulate cytokine storm in SARS-CoV2 patients?

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Immune reaction CoV2 can cause uncontrolled systemic inflammatory responses called cytokine storm.

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Medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites are potential modulators of cytokine storm.

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Secondary metabolites modulate inflammatory signaling associated with CoV2.

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The potential applicability of natural products against CoV2 need to be evaluated in strictly defined clinical research.

Currently, the number of cases and deaths of SARS-CoV2, especially among the chronic disease groups, due to aggressive SARS-CoV2 infection is increasing day by day. Various infections, particularly viral ones, cause a cytokine storm resulting in shortness of breath, bleeding, hypotension, and ultimately multi-organ failure due to over-expression of certain cytokines and necrosis factors. The most prominent clinical feature of SARS-CoV2 is the presence of elevated proinflammatory cytokines in the serum of patients with SARS-CoV2. Severe cases exhibit higher levels of cytokines, leading to a “cytokine storm” that further increases disease severity and causes acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ failure, and death. Therefore, targeted cytokine production could be a potential therapeutic option for patients severely infected with SARS-CoV2.

Given the current scenario, great scientific progress has been made in understanding the disease and its forms of treatment. Because of natural ingredients properties, they have the potential to be used as potential agents with the ability to modulate immune responses. Moreover, they can be used safely because they have no toxic effects, are biodegradable and biocompatible. However, these natural substances can continue to be used in the development of new therapies and vaccines.

Finally, the aim and approach of this review article is to highlight current research on the possible use of natural products with promising potential as immune response activators. Moreover, consider the expected use of natural products when developing potential therapies and vaccines.

Pratensein Mitigates Oxidative Stress and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in OGD/R-Injured HT22 Cells by Activating Nrf2-Anti-oxidant Signaling

The current investigation seeks to uncover the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of pratensein (Pra) against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CI/R) injury. An in vitro model was created by subjecting HT22 cells to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury. Various doses of Pra were administered to HT22 cells during the process of OGD/R. Nrf2 knockdown was achieved by siRNA transfection. Pra antagonized OGD/R-triggered HT22 cell damage, as suggested by increased cell viability and reduced levels of LDH secretion. Additionally, Pra reversed OGD/R-induced cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory injury. Transfection of Nrf2 siRNA partially ameliorated the protective effects of Pra on the OGD/R-stimulated increase in cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response in HT22 cells. Pra significantly inhibited the expression of nod-like-receptor-protein-3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), caspase-1, and cleaved caspase-1 protein in OGD/R-induced cells. Nrf2 knockdown reversed the benefits of Pra on NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Besides, Pra administration mitigated middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion-induced cerebral infarction, neurological deficits, and neuronal apoptosis in vivo. This study found that Pra suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation through Nrf2 activation, resulting in reduced inflammatory responses and rates of apoptosis in OGD/R-stimulated HT22 cells, highlighting the neuroprotective properties of Pra in CI/R.

Gingival-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Protect Against Sepsis and Its Complications

Objective

In the present study, we separated and characterized mouse gingival-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) and investigated whether GMSCs can improve lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis and its complications.

Methods

Ninety-six ICR mice were randomly divided into the following groups: the control (Sham), LPS, and LPS + MSC groups. Mice received 5 mg/kg LPS intraperitoneally to induce sepsis. Histopathological micrographs illustrated organ injury. We detected systemic inflammation, blood glucose levels, and serum levels of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and lactate. In addition, pulmonary inflammation, lung permeability, and oxidative stress-related indicators in lung tissue were measured.

Results

We successfully separated a novel population of MSCs from mouse gingiva. These cells had MSC-associated properties, such as a typical fibroblast-like morphology, multiple differentiation potential, and certain phenotypes. Cell-based therapy using GMSCs significantly improved the survival rate, systemic inflammation, hypoglycemia, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and aortic injury during sepsis. GMSCs administration reduced pulmonary inflammation, lung permeability, and oxidative stress injury. GMSCs administration reduced neutrophil infiltration partly because GMSCs inhibited neutrophil chemoattractants tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL-1), and Interleukin (IL-8). GMSCs impaired LPS-induced HMGB1 and lactate release during sepsis.

Conclusion

GMSCs administration is a novel therapeutic strategy targeting aerobic glycolysis for the treatment of sepsis because GMSCs impair LPS-induced HMGB1 and lactate release. GMSCs alleviate lung injury partly because GMSCs exert immune effects, inhibit neutrophilic inflammation, and reduce oxidative stress injury.

Could natural products modulate early inflammatory responses, preventing acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19-confirmed patients?

BACKGROUND

The ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) is a severe respiratory syndrome that was recently associated as the main death cause in the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Hence, in order to prevent ARDS, the pulmonary function maintenance has been the target of several pharmacological approaches. However, there is a lack of reports regarding the use of effective pharmaceutical active natural products (PANPs) for early treatment and prevention of COVID-19-related ARDS. Therefore, the aim of this work was to conduct a systematic review regarding the PANPs that could be further studied as alternatives to prevent ARDS. Consequently, this work can pave the way to spread the use of PANPs on the prevention of ARDS in COVID-19-confirmed or -suspected patients.

METHODS

The search strategy included scientific studies published in English from 2015 to 2020 that promoted the elucidation of anti-inflammatory pathways targeting ARDS by in vitro and/or in vivo experiments using PANPs. Then, 74 studies regarding PANPs, able to maintain or improve the pulmonary function, were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The PANPs may present different pulmonary anti-inflammatory pathways, wherein (i) reduction/attenuation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, (ii) increase of the anti-inflammatory mediators' levels, (iii) pulmonary edema inhibition and (iv) attenuation of lung injury were the most observed biological effects of such products in in vitro experiments or in clinical studies. Finally, this work highlighted the PANPs with promising potential to be used on respiratory syndromes, allowing their possible use as alternative treatment at the prevention of ARDS in COVID-19-infected or -suspected patients.

Natural product derived phytochemicals in managing acute lung injury by multiple mechanisms

Acute lung injury (ALI) and its more severe form, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as common life-threatening lung diseases with high mortality rates are mostly associated with acute and severe inflammation in lungs. With increasing in-depth studies of ALI/ARDS, significant breakthroughs have been made, however, there are still no effective pharmacological therapies for treatment of ALI/ARDS. Especially, the novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) is ravaging the globe, and causes severe respiratory distress syndrome. Therefore, developing new drugs for therapy of ALI/ARDS is in great demand, which might also be helpful for treatment of COVID-19. Natural compounds have always inspired drug development, and numerous natural products have shown potential therapeutic effects on ALI/ARDS. Therefore, this review focuses on the potential therapeutic effects of natural compounds on ALI and the underlying mechanisms. Overall, the review discusses 159 compounds and summarizes more than 400 references to present the protective effects of natural compounds against ALI and the underlying mechanism.

Methane Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Orchitis by Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidative, and Antiapoptotic Effects via Regulation of the PK2/PKR1 Pathway

Objective

The present study is aimed at investigating the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiapoptotic effects of methane on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced acute orchitis and its potential mechanisms.

Methods

Adult male rats were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with methane-rich saline (MS, 20 mL/kg) following LPS (5 mg/kg, i.p.). The survival rate was assessed every 12 h until 72 h after LPS induction, and surviving rats were sacrificed for further detection. The wet/dry (W/D) ratio was determined, and testicular damage was histologically assessed. Inflammatory cytokines in the testes and serum, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were measured using ELISA and RT-qPCR. Oxidative stress was evaluated by the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Testicular apoptosis was detected via TUNEL staining. The expression of prokineticin 2 (PK2)/prokineticin receptor 1 (PKR1) was also analyzed using RT-qPCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry.

Results

It was found that methane significantly prolonged rat survival, decreased the W/D ratio, alleviated LPS-induced histological changes, and reduced apoptotic cells in the testes. Additionally, methane suppressed and promoted the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, respectively. Furthermore, methane significantly increased SOD levels, decreased MDA levels, and decreased testicular expression of PK2 and PKR1. Therefore, methane exerts therapeutic effects on acute orchitis and might be a new and convenient strategy for the treatment of inflammation-related testicular diseases.

Bioinformatics-Based Study to Investigate Potential Differentially Expressed Genes and miRNAs in Pediatric Sepsis

BACKGROUND Sepsis is an extremely common health issue with a considerable mortality rate in children. Our understanding about the pathogenic mechanisms of sepsis is limited. The aim of this study was to identify the differential expression genes (DEGs) in pediatric sepsis through comprehensive analysis, and to provide specific insights for the clinical sepsis therapies in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS Three pediatric gene expression profiles (GSE25504, GSE26378, GSE26440) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The difference expression genes (DEGs) between pediatric sepsis and normal control group were screened with the GEO2R online tool. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of the DEGs were performed. Cytoscape with CytoHubba were used to identify the hub genes. Finally, NetworkAnalyst was used to construct the targeted microRNAs (miRNAs) of the hub genes. RESULTS Totally, 160 overlapping upward genes and 61 downward genes were identified. In addition, 5 KEGG pathways, including hematopoietic cell lineage, Staphylococcus aureus infection, starch and sucrose metabolism, osteoclast differentiation, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, were significantly enriched using a database for labeling, visualization, and synthetic discovery. In combination with the results of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and CytoHubba, 9 hub genes including ITGAM, TLR8, IL1ß, MMP9, MPO, FPR2, ELANE, SPI1, and C3AR1 were selected. Combined with DEG-miRNAs visualization, 5 miRNAs, including has-miR-204-5p, has-miR-211-5p, has-miR-590-5p, and has-miR-21-5p, were predicted as possibly the key miRNAs. CONCLUSIONS Our findings will contribute to identification of potential biomarkers and novel strategies for pediatric sepsis treatment.

Methane alleviates sepsis-induced injury by inhibiting pyroptosis and apoptosis: in vivo and in vitro experiments

Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Methane has been reported to have anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the potential protective effects of methane on sepsis-induced injury and determined the related mechanisms. C57BL/6 mice received laparotomy with cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to create a septic model, followed by methane-rich saline (MRS) treatment after CLP. MRS treatment improved the 5-day survival rate and organ functions and alleviated pathological damage of the mice, as well as reduced excessive inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. MRS treatment also decreased the levels of oxidative stress index proteins, decreased the apoptosis of cells and inhibited nod-liker receptor protein (NLRP)3-mediated pyroptosis in the lung and intestine. In in vitro experiments, RAW264.7 and primary peritoneal macrophages were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) to induce inflammation and pyroptosis. Consistent with the in vivo results, methane-rich medium (MRM) treatment also reduced the levels of excessive inflammatory mediators, and decreased the levels of ROS, inhibited apoptosis and pyroptosis. Our results indicate that methane offers a protective effect for septic mice via its anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-pyroptosis and anti-apoptosis properties.

Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1 Enhances the Therapeutic Effects of Human Endometrial Regenerative Cells in a Mouse Sepsis Model

Endometrial regenerative cells (ERCs) are mesenchymal-like stromal cells obtained from human menstrual blood, whose positive therapeutic effects have been validated in several experimental models. Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), the ligand for CXCR4, plays an important role in the migration of mesenchymal stromal cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway in the therapeutic effects of ERCs in a mouse sepsis model. Through preexperiment and confirmation, wild-type C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The therapeutic effects of ERCs with different pretreatments were evaluated by assessing sepsis-related symptoms, detecting tissue damage and measuring levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress-related factors. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that there was a much higher CXCR4 expression on ERCs when they were cocultured with SDF-1. The ex vivo experiment results showed that SDF-1 expression significantly increased in mouse tissues. Further experiments also confirmed that, compared with the unmodified ERC treatment group, SDF-1 pretreatment significantly enhanced the therapeutic effects of ERCs on alleviating sepsis symptoms, ameliorating pathological changes, reducing Bax level, and increasing Bcl-2 and PCNA expressions in mouse liver tissues. Furthermore, it was also found that SDF-1-pretreated ERCs contributed to reducing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL10) in mouse serum, liver, and lung. Moreover, SDF-1-pretreated ERCs could also significantly decrease the levels of iNOS and MDA and increase the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and SOD in liver tissues. Taken together, these results indicate that SDF-1 pretreatment plays a key role in improving the therapeutic effects of ERCs in alleviating sepsis-related symptoms, reducing tissue damage, regulating inflammatory imbalance, and relieving oxidative stress in a mouse sepsis model, which provides more possibilities for the clinical application of ERCs in sepsis and relevant diseases.

The protective effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor against cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis via oxidative stress and inflammation

AIMS

Sepsis is a severe public health problem affecting millions of individuals, with global mortality rates caused by lower respiratory tract infections are approximately 2.38 million people a year die from respiratory failure caused by infection. Although ACE is known to contribute to damage in septicemia, the pathophysiological mechanisms of sepsis remain unclear. While mortality can be significantly reduced through effective and sensitive antibiotic therapy, antibiotic resistance restricts the use of these drugs, and the investigation of novel agents and targets is therefore essential. Our aim was to determine whether Perindopril (PER) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capable of preventing these adverse conditions resulting in injury in previous studies.

MAIN METHODS

Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into the control group, received oral saline solution alone for four days. the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) group, underwent only cecal ligation and puncture induced sepsis, while the CLP + PER (2 mg/kg) underwent cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis together with oral administration of 2 mg/kg PER for four days before induction of sepsis.

KEY FINDINGS

Malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kβ/p65) levels increased in the CLP group. On the other hand, PER (2 mg/kg) oral administration to septic rats decreased MDA, TNF-α and increase glutathione (GSH) in the lung tissue. In addition, PER administration also decreased the lung tissue NF-κB and Caspase-3 immunopositivity against sepsis.

SIGNIFICANCE

PER treatment may represent a promising means of preventing sepsis-induced lung injury via antioxidant and anti-inflammation effects.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate the inflammatory reaction in CLP-induced septic acute lung injury rats via sTNFR1

We hypothesized that the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs), which secrete high amounts of soluble molecules, such as soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR1), may ameliorate sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI). A total of 120 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into four groups: the sham control (SC), sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), CLP-ADMSCs, and CLP-sTNFR1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) groups; CLP groups underwent CLP and then received 1 × 106 ADMSCs with or without knockdown of sTNFR1 intravenously at 1 hr after surgery. Rats were killed at 3, 6, 24, and 48 hr after the SC or CLP procedures. 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine-labeled ADMSCs extensively colonized the lungs at 6, 24, and 72 hr after injection. The lung wet/dry (W/D) weight ratios in the CLP group were higher than those in SC group; however, ADMSCs ameliorated the W/D weight ratios following CLP, and this effect was abolished by sTNFR1 siRNA treatment. The levels of serum sTNFR1 and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were higher in the CLP-ADMSCs group and lower in the SC group than in other groups; interestingly, these levels were higher in CLP and CLP-sTNFR1 siRNA groups than in SC group. Tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-6 levels increased significantly after CLP, and ADMSCs could alleviate these changes, but the effect was weakened by sTNFR1 siRNA treatment. The lung cell apoptosis and edema levels were consistent with IL-6 levels among all groups. Therapeutically administered ADMSCs secrete sTNFR1, which most likely protects against ALI in septic rats by ameliorating inflammation and lung edema.

Sirtuin 6 mitigated LPS-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells inflammatory responses through modulating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2

BACKGROUND

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protects the lung from sepsis-induced injury through activating Nrf2-regulated multiple phase 2 detoxification genes, including NAD(P)H: quinine oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO1). Based on the positive effect of Sirtuin 6 on Nrf2, we aim to explore the potential role of SIRT6 in the mechanism of sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI).

METHODS

Mouse models of sepsis were constructed by instilling intratracheal of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 4 ml/kg). After 48-hour treatment, lung tissues were collected to measure the degree of lung injury. The SIRT6, siSIRT6, and siNrf2 plasmids were cotransfected into various concentrations of LPS-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs; 0, 1, 5, 10, and 50 μg/ml) using Lipofectamine 2000. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression levels of SIRT6, Nrf2, NQO1, and HO1 was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Lung tissues in the model group already had basic characteristics of ALI. Compared with the control model, TNF-α and IL-6 levels were much higher (P < 0.01), the levels of SIRT6, Nrf2, and Nrf2-modulated detoxification factors were downregulated (P < 0.01). SIRT6 overexpression decreased the apoptosis below to 10% (P < 0.01), significantly increased the Nrf2 expression, effectively inhibited TNF-α and IL-6 releases, and enhanced NQO1 and HO1 levels (P < 0.01). siNrf2 abolished the protective effects of SIRT6 overexpression, including increasing apoptosis and inhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidative genes expressions (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested SIRT6 positively regulated Nrf2 expression and activated Nrf2-regulated anti-inflammatory and antioxidative enzymes, which could effectively mitigate LPS-induced HUVECs inflammatory responses. This might reflect the mechanism of ALI induced by sepsis.

Hippocampus and cerebellum damage in sepsis induced by lipopolysaccharide in aged rats - Pregabalin can prevent damage

BACKGROUNDS

The aim of this study was to investigate the oxidative damage and inflammatory effects in the hippocampus and cerebellum in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis model and possible ameliorating effects of pregabalin (PG).

METHODS

Twenty four female Wistar Albino rats (12 month old) were divided into 3 groups as follows: Group I (Control; 0.1 ml/gavage and i.p. saline, single dose), Group II (LPS; 5 mg/kg LPS, i.p, single dose), Group III (LPS + PG; 5 mg/kg LPS, i.p, single dose + 30 mg/kg, gavage, single dose). DNA damage, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) oxidative stress index (OSI), leukocyte (WBC), lymphocyte, neutrophil, hemoglobin (HGB), erythrocyte (RBC), and thrombocyte counts were measured in blood and brain tissues. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of Caspase- 3, G-CSF, IL-6, SAA, iNOS expressions were conducted using hippocampus and cerebellum tissues.

RESULTS

Comet analysis score, lymphocytes, neutrophils, WBC, IMA, TOS and OSI values were increased in Group II compared with to Group I (p < 0.05). IMA levels in blood, TOS and OSI levels in the brain were significantly decreased in Group III compared to Group II (p < 0.05). We observed increased hemorrhages, neutrophils, leukocytes infiltrations and neuron degeneration in Group II compared to Group I. Caspase 3, G-CSF, IL-6, SAA, iNOS expressions were increased in group II compared to Group I (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Pregabalin partly ameliorated the damage caused by the exposure to LPS in hippocampus and cerebellum; however, further studies are needed to determine pregabalin's possible protective effects at different doses and with different techniques.

Dexmedetomidine alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury in Wistar rats

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of dexmedetomidine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury in Wistar rats. 24 female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n = 8): a control group, a LPS-challenged group, and a LPS plus dexmedetomidine group. Inflammation, oxidative stress, Nrf2/Keap1, and Akt signal were determined. The results showed that LPS caused inflammation and oxidative stress via increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative products. Dexmedetomidine treatment alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress in LPS-challenged rats. Nrf2/Keap1 was inhibited and Akt signal was activated in the lung after exposure to LPS, while dexmedetomidine activated Nrf2/Keap1, which further mediated expressions of antioxidant genes. In conclusion, dexmedetomidine alleviated inflammatory response and oxidative stress in LPS-induced lung injury in rats via influencing Nrf2/Keap1 signal.

Lactate as a Potential Biomarker of Sepsis in a Rat Cecal Ligation and Puncture Model

We attempted to investigate whether blood lactate is a useful biomarker for sepsis in a rat cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent approximately 75% cecum ligation and two punctures to induce high-grade sepsis. A lactate of 1.64 mmol/L (Youden score of 0.722) was selected as the best cutoff value to predict the onset of sepsis after CLP exposure; 46 of 50 rats who survived 24 hours after the CLP were divided into the L group (lactate < 1.64 mmol/L) and M group (lactate ≥ 1.64 mmol/L). In the M group, the animals had significantly higher murine sepsis scores and none survived 5 days post-CLP, and the rate of validated septic animals, serum procalcitonin, high mobility group box 1, blood urea nitrogen, alanine transaminase, cardiac troponin I, and the wet-to-dry weight ratio were significantly higher compared to the L group. Worsen PaO₂/FiO₂, microcirculations, and mean arterial pressure were observed in the M group. More severe damage in major organs was confirmed by histopathological scores in the M group compared with the L group. In conclusion, lactate ≥ 1.64 mmol/L might serve as a potential biomarker to identify the onset of sepsis in a rat CLP model.

5-HT Drives Mortality in Sepsis Induced by Cecal Ligation and Puncture in Mice

Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection with a high mortality. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is an important regulatory factor in inflammation. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of 5-HT on cecal ligation and puncture- (CLP-) induced sepsis in the mouse model. CLP was performed on C57B/6 wild-type (WT) mice and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) knockout (KO) mice. The results showed that the 5-HT-sufficient group mice had a significantly lower survival rate than the 5-HT-deficient group in CLP-induced sepsis and septic shock. The KO-CLP sepsis group received a lower clinical score than the WT-CLP sepsis group. Meanwhile, the body temperature of mice in the KO-CLP sepsis group was higher than that in the WT-CLP sepsis group and was much closer to the normal body temperature 24 hours after CLP. The tissue histopathology analysis revealed that 5-HT markedly exacerbated histological damages in the peritoneum, lung, liver, kidney, intestinal tissue, and heart in sepsis. Moreover, significant lower levels of TNF-α, IL-6, bacterial loads, MPO, and ROS were discovered in the KO-CLP sepsis group in contrast to the WT-CLP sepsis group. In conclusion, 5-HT drives mortality and exacerbates organ dysfunction by promoting serum cytokines and bacterial loads as well as facilitating oxidative stress in the process of sepsis.

Deciphering the mechanism of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decoction on the treatment of sepsis by formula decomposition and metabolomics: Enhancement of cholinergic pathways and inhibition of HMGB-1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling

Sepsis is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decoction (HLJDD), a well-known Chinese herb formula, has long been used for the treatment of sepsis. In this investigation, by leaving one herb out each time, the four component herbs of HLJDD were reformulated to four HLJDD variants Form1-4, corresponding to the removal of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex, Scutellariae Radix, Gardeniae Fructu and Coptidis Rhizoma, respectively. Metabolomics approach combined with histological inspection, biochemical measurement and molecular biology was used to investigate the treatment effects of HLJDD and its four variants on cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis, which were compared to decipher the formulating principles of HLJDD. Our results showed that HLJDD exhibit the strongest therapeutic effects in the CLP models as compared with the four variants, which could be ascribed to its most significant enhancement of cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and inhibition of HMGB-1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Most of all, metabolites changed specifically between groups of HLJDD and its four variants were related with the exceptional treatment effects of HLJDD.

Perioperative "remote" acute lung injury: recent update

Perioperative acute lung injury (ALI) is a syndrome characterised by hypoxia and chest radiograph changes. It is a serious post-operative complication, associated with considerable mortality and morbidity. In addition to mechanical ventilation, remote organ insult could also trigger systemic responses which induce ALI. Currently, there are limited treatment options available beyond conservative respiratory support. However, increasing understanding of the pathophysiology of ALI and the biochemical pathways involved will aid the development of novel treatments and help to improve patient outcome as well as to reduce cost to the health service. In this review we will discuss the epidemiology of peri-operative ALI; the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved on the pathological process; the clinical considerations in preventing and managing perioperative ALI and the potential future treatment options.