Traditional Chinese medicine, Qing Ying Tang, ameliorates the severity of acute lung injury induced by severe acute pancreatitis in rats via the upregulation of aquaporin-1

Jinzhen Oral Liquid alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury through modulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) has the attribution of excessive inflammation of the lung. Jinzhen oral liquid (JO), a famous Chinese recipe used to treat ALI, has a favorable therapeutic effect on ALI. However, its anti-inflammatory mechanism has not been extensively studied.

PURPOSE

This study was to elucidate the effects of JO on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI and its molecular mechanism.

METHODS

An ALI model was established by intratracheal instillation of LPS (2 mg/50 μl). The open field experiment was carried out to explore the spontaneous movement and exploratory behavior of ALI mice. Cytokines levels concentrations (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Network pharmacology was used to predict the mechanism of JO against ALI. Immunofluorescence, co-immunoprecipitation, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), Western blot and RT-PCR were used to verify the molecular mechanisms of JO.

RESULTS

The in vivo results suggested that JO (1, 2, 4 g/kg) dose-dependently improved the exercise performance of mice and reduced the lung W/D weight ratio as well as the production of IL-6 and TNF-α, but increased the release of IL-10 in the ALI group. The network pharmacological analysis demonstrated that the Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway might be the fundamental action mechanisms of JO against ALI. Immunofluorescence staining and co-immunoprecipitation analysis showed that JO decreased the expression levels of TLR4 and MyD88 and reduced their interaction in the lung tissue of ALI mice. Meanwhile, JO decreased nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of NF-κB P65. The results from cellular experiments were in line with those in vivo. The FRET experiment also confirmed that JO disturbed the interaction of TLR4 and MyD88. Subsequently, we also found that the six indicative components of JO have the similar therapeutic effect as JO.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, we suggested that JO suppressed the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, thus inhibiting LPS-induced ALI in vitro and in vivo. The clarified mechanism provided an important theoretical basis and a novel treatment strategy for the ALI treatment of JO.

Comparative study of oral versus parenteral crocin in mitigating acrolein-induced lung injury in albino rats

Acrolein (Ac) is the second most commonly inhaled toxin, produced in smoke of fires, tobacco smoke, overheated oils, and fried foods; and usually associated with lung toxicity. Crocin (Cr) is a natural carotenoid with a direct antioxidant capacity. Yet, oral administration of crocin as a natural rout is doubtful, because of poor absorbability. Therefore, the current study aimed to compare the potential protective effect of oral versus intraperitoneal (ip) crocin in mitigating Ac-induced lung toxicity. 50 Adult rats were randomly divided into 5 equal groups; Control (oral-saline and ip-saline) group, Cr (oral-Cr and ip-Cr) group, Ac group, oral-Cr/Ac group, and ip-Cr/Ac group; for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical investigations. Results indicated increased oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in lungs of Ac-treated group. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed lung edema, infiltration, fibrosis, and altered expression of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic markers. Compared to oral-Cr/Ac group, the ip-Cr/Ac group demonstrated remarkable improvement in the oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic biomarkers, as well as the histopathological alterations. In conclusion, intraperitoneal crocin exerts a more protective effect on acrolein-induced lung toxicity than the orally administered crocin.

Emodin ameliorates acute pancreatitis-induced lung injury by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated neutrophil recruitment

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) activates the systemic inflammatory response and is potentially lethal. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of emodin on acute lung injury (ALI) in rats with SAP and investigate the role of the Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and its association with neutrophil recruitment. Sodium taurocholate (5.0%) was used to establish the SAP model. All animals were randomly assigned into four groups: Sham, SAP, emodin and dexamethasone (positive control drug) groups (n=10 mice per group). Histopathology observation of pancreatic and lung tissues was detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The levels of serum amylase, IL-1β and IL-18 were measured by ELISA. Single-cell suspensions were obtained from enzymatically digested lung tissues, followed by flow cytometric analysis for apoptosis. In addition, the expression levels of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated and apoptosis-associated proteins in lung tissues were measured by western blotting. Moreover, lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus G6D⁺ (Ly6G⁺) cell recruitment was detected using immunohistochemical analysis. The results revealed that emodin markedly improved pancreatic histological injury and decreased the levels of serum amylase, IL-1β and IL-18. Pulmonary edema and apoptosis were significantly alleviated by emodin. Additionally, the protein expression levels of intercellular adhesion molecule 1, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD and cleaved caspase-1 were downregulated following emodin treatment. Moreover, emodin inhibited Ly6G⁺ cell recruitment in lung tissues. The present study demonstrated that emodin may offer protection against ALI induced by SAP via inhibiting and suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated neutrophil recruitment and may be a novel therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of ALI.

Aquaporins in lung health and disease: Emerging roles, regulation, and clinical implications

Aquaporins (AQPs) aka water channels are a family of conserved transmembrane proteins (~30 kDa monomers) expressed in various organ systems. Of the 13 AQPs (AQP0 through AQP12) in the human body, four (AQPs 1, 3, 4, and 5) are expressed in the respiratory system. These channels are conventionally known for mediating transcellular fluid movements. Certain AQPs (aquaglyceroporins) have the capability to transport glycerol and potentially other solutes. There is an emerging body of literature unveiling the non-conventional roles of AQPs such as in cell proliferation and migration, gas permeation, signal potentiation, etc. Initial gene knock-out studies established a physiological role for lung AQPs, particularly AQP5, in maintaining homeostasis, by mediating fluid secretion from submucosal glands onto the airway surface liquid (ASL) lining. Subsequent studies have highlighted the functional significance of AQPs, particularly AQP1 and AQP5 in lung pathophysiology and diseases, including but not limited to chronic and acute lung injury, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), other inflammatory lung conditions, and lung cancer. AQP1 has been suggested as a potential prognostic marker for malignant mesothelioma. Recent efforts are directed toward exploiting AQPs as targets for diagnosis, prevention, intervention, and/or treatment of various lung conditions. Emerging information on regulatory pathways and directed mechanistic research are posited to unravel novel strategies for these clinical implications. Future considerations should focus on development of AQP inhibitors, blockers, and modulators for therapeutic needs, and better understanding the role of lung-specific AQPs in inter-individual susceptibility to chronic lung diseases such as COPD and cancer.

Post-treatment With Qing-Ying-Tang, a Compound Chinese Medicine Relives Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Cerebral Microcirculation Disturbance in Mice

Objective: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) causes microvascular dysfunction, which is a key episode in the pathogenesis of endotoxemia. This work aimed to investigate the effect of Qing-Ying-Tang (QYT), a compound Chinese medicine in cerebral microcirculation disturbance and brain damage induced by LPS.

Methods: Male C57/BL6 mice were continuously transfused with LPS (7.5 mg/kg/h) through the left femoral vein for 2 h. QYT (14.3 g/kg) was given orally 2 h after LPS administration. The dynamics of cerebral microcirculation were evaluated by intravital microscopy. Brain tissue edema was assessed by brain water content and Evans Blue leakage. Cytokines in plasma and brain were evaluated by flow cytometry. Confocal microscopy and Western blot were applied to detect the expression of junction and adhesion proteins, and signaling proteins concerned in mouse brain tissue.

Results: Post-treatment with QYT significantly ameliorated LPS-induced leukocyte adhesion to microvascular wall and albumin leakage from cerebral venules and brain tissue edema, attenuated the increase of MCP-1, MIP-1α, IL-1α, IL-6, and VCAM-1 in brain tissue and the activation of NF-κB and expression of MMP-9 in brain. QYT ameliorated the downregulation of claudin-5, occludin, JAM-1, ZO-1, collagen IV as well as the expression and phosphorylation of VE-cadherin in mouse brain.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that QYT protected cerebral microvascular barrier from disruption after LPS by acting on the transcellular pathway mediated by caveolae and paracellular pathway mediated by junction proteins. This result suggests QYT as a potential strategy to deal with endotoxemia.

Quercetin is the Active Component of Yang-Yin-Qing-Fei-Tang to Induce Apoptosis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Yang-Yin-Qing-Fei-Tang (YYQFT) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema, bronchitis, cytomegaloviral pneumonia, but the mechanisms of the medicine are not clear. This study aimed to identify the active components of YYQFT and elucidate the underlying mechanism on non-small cell lung cancer. First, YYQFT was extracted with different solvents, and then the most effective extract was determined by assessing their effects on non-small cell lung cancer cell growth. Second, several active compounds from YYQFT were identified, and quercetin was the one of the important active ingredients. Subsequently, the in vivo antitumor activity of quercetin was confirmed in a lung cancer xenograft model in mice. 200 μ g/mL quercetin significantly reduced tumor volume without affecting body weight of the mice. Furthermore, induction of apoptosis by quercetin was detected in tumor tissues treated with quercetin. Multiple apoptosis related genes including p53, Bax and Fas were upregulated by quercetin in tumor tissue and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was increased accordingly. Our results demonstrated that quercetin, as the main effective component of the YYQFT, has potent inhibitory activity on non-small cell lung cancer by regulating the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2.

Protective effect of nimesulide on acute lung injury in mice with severe acute pancreatitis

The study was designed to investigate the effect of Nimesulide (NIM) on acute lung injury (ALI) in mice with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). In our study, caerulein and LPS were employed to establish the ALI mice model induced by SAP. All animals were divided into four groups randomly: control, model (SAP), NIM low and high dosages groups. Following treatment with NIM, histopathology observation of pancreatic tissues and lung tissues were detected by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The levels of serum amylase, lipase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and IL-6 were measured by ELISA. The ratio of wet lung to dry lung (W/D) was calculated. In addition, the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were measured by Western blotting. Moreover, the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was detected using Immunohistochemistry analysis. The results revealed that NIM markedly improved pancreatic histological injury and decreased the levels of serum amylase, lipase, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in a dose-dependent after NIM treatment. For ALI induced by SAP, pulmonary edema were significantly alleviated compared with the mice in SAP group. In addition, the decreased ratio of W/D were observed after NIM intervene. The expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 proteins were downregulated following NIM treatment. More, NIM inhibited the expression of COX2 in lung tissues. Taken together, our study demonstrated that NIM was able to protect against ALI induced by SAP via inhibiting inflammation, which will be of novel therapeutic strategies for the clinical treatment of ALI.

Protective Effect and Mechanism of Alprostadil in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Induced by Oleic Acid in Rats

BACKGROUND This study investigated the role and mechanism of alprostadil in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by oleic acid (OA) in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, OA model, and OA + Alprostadil (2.5, 5, and 10 μg/kg, respectively) groups. The ARDS model was induced by femoral vein injection of OA, and alprostadil was administrated immediately. Lung injury was evaluated by lung wet-dry weight ratio (W/D) and histological analyses. Expressions of ACE, inflammatory mediators, apoptotic-related proteins, and proteins in the MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways were determined by Western blot or immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the OA model group had significantly increased W/D, lung injury score, and collagen deposition at 3 h after OA injection. However, alprostadil (10 μg/kg) treatment significantly reduced OA-induced elevation of these indicators. Additionally, OA-induced expression of TNF-α and IL-1β were suppressed by alprostadil. The OA-induced activation of nuclear factor (NF) κB p65 was also reduced by alprostadil. Furthermore, we found that Alprostadil had an inhibitory effect on the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPKs. Alprostadil inhibited Bax but increased Bcl-2, indicating a suppressive role in apoptosis. Remarkably increased expression of ACE in the OA model group was observed, which was decreased by alprostadil. CONCLUSIONS Alprostadil has a protective effect on ARDS induced by OA in rats, possibly through inhibiting apoptosis, suppressing the activation of MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways, and decreasing ACE protein expression. Therefore, the use of alprostadil in clinical ARDS treatment is promising.

Emodin ameliorates acute lung injury induced by severe acute pancreatitis through the up-regulated expressions of AQP1 and AQP5 in lung

The present study investigates the ameliorating effects of emodin on acute lung injury (ALI) induced by severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). An ALI rat model was constructed by sodium ursodeoxycholate and they were divided into four groups: SHAM, ALI, emodin and dexamethasone (DEX) (n=24 per group). Blood samples and lung tissues were collected 6, 12 and 24 hours after the induction of SAP-associated ALI. Lung wet/dry ratio, blood gases, serum amylase and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured at each time point. The expressions of AQP1 and AQP5 in lung tissue were detected by immunohistochemical staining, western blotting and real-time PCR. As the results show, there were no statistical differences in the levels of serum amylase, lung wet/dry ratio, blood gases indexes, serum TNF-α and pathological changes between emodin and DEX groups. However, significant differences were observed when compared with the ALI group. AQP1 and AQP5 expressions were significantly increased and lung oedemas were alleviated with the treatment of emodin and DEX. The expressions of AQP1 and AQP5 were significantly decreased in SAP-associated ALI rats. Emodin up-regulated the expression of AQP1 and AQP5, it could reduce pulmonary oedema and ameliorate SAP-induced ALI. Regulations on AQP1 and AQP5 expression had a great value in clinical application.

Dai-Huang-Fu-Zi-Tang alleviates pulmonary and intestinal injury with severe acute pancreatitis via regulating aquaporins in rats

BACKGROUND

Dai-Huang-Fu-Zi-Tang (DHFZT) is a famous traditional Chinese prescription with intestinal obstruction, acute pancreatitis and cholecystalgia for thousands of years. Our previous work found that DHFZT could act against pulmonary and intestinal pathological injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). But the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. The aim of present study was to investigate whether DHFZT could relieve pulmonary and intestinal injury by regulating aquaporins after SAP induced by sodium taurocholate in rats.

METHODS

Forty of SD rats were used for dose dependant experiments of DHFZT.Accurate-mass Time-of-flight liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for qualitative screening of chemical compositions of DHFZT. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham group (n = 8), model group (SAP, n = 8), DHFZT group (SAP with DHFZT treatment, n = 8). SAP models were established by retrograde injections of 5% sodium taurocholate solutions into rat pancreaticobiliary ducts. Blood samples were taken at 0, 12, 24, 48 h post-operation for detecting serum amylase, lipase, endotoxin, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10. Protein expression and location of aquaporin (AQP)1, 5, 8 and 9 were assessed by immunohistochemistry, western blot and immunofluorescence respectively.

RESULTS

The study showed that 27 kinds of chemical composition were identified, including 10 kinds in positive ion mode and 17 kinds in negative ion mode. The results showed that AQP1, AQP5 of lung, and AQP1, AQP5, AQP8 of intestine in model group were significantly lower than that of sham group (P < 0.05), and which were obviously reversed by treatment with DHFZT. In addition, protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6 and endotoxin in peripheral blood were significantly suppressed by DHFZT, and that anti-inflammatory cytokine like IL-10 was just opposite. Finally, we also noted that DHFZT reduced serum levels of amylase, lipase and endotoxin, and also improved edema and pathological scores of lung and intestine after SAP.

CONCLUSIONS

DHFZT ameliorated the pulmonary and intestinal edema and injury induced by SAP via the upregulation of different AQPs in lung and intestine, and suppressed TNF-α, IL-6 expression and enhanced IL-10 expression.

Seawater-drowning-induced acute lung injury: From molecular mechanisms to potential treatments

Drowning is a crucial public safety problem and is the third leading cause of accidental fatality, claiming ~372,000 lives annually, worldwide. In near-drowning patients, acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the most common complications. Approximately 1/3 of near-drowning patients fulfill the criteria for ALI or ARDS. In the present article, the current literature of near-drowning, pathophysiologic changes and the molecular mechanisms of seawater-drowning-induced ALI and ARDS was reviewed. Seawater is three times more hyperosmolar than plasma, and following inhalation of seawater the hyperosmotic seawater may cause serious injury in the lung and alveoli. The perturbing effects of seawater may be primarily categorized into insufficiency of pulmonary surfactant, blood-air barrier disruption, formation of pulmonary edema, inflammation, oxidative stress, autophagy, apoptosis and various other hypertonic stimulation. Potential treatments for seawater-induced ALI/ARDS were also presented, in addition to suggestions for further studies. A total of nine therapeutic strategies had been tested and all had focused on modulating the over-activated immunoreactions. In conclusion, seawater drowning is a complex injury process and the exact mechanisms and potential treatments require further exploration.

Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning protects the lung against acute pancreatitis induced injury via attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress in a nitric oxide dependent manner

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning (HBO-PC) on acute pancreatitis AP associated acute lung injury (ALI) and the potential mechanisms. Rats were randomly divided into sham group, AP group, HBO-PC + AP group and HBO-PC + L-NAME group. Rats in HBO-PC + AP group received HBO-PC once daily for 3 days, and AP was introduced 24 h after last HBO-PC. In HBO-PC + L-NAME group, L-NAME (40 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected before each HBO-PC. At 24 h after AP, the blood lipase and amylase activities were measured; the lung and pancreas were harvested for pathological examination; the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected for the detection of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and proteins; inflammatory factors, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malonaldehyde content were measured in the lung and blood; the Nrf2, SOD-1 and haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expression was measured in the lung. The lung nitric oxide (NO) and NO synthase activity increased significantly after HBO-PC. HBO-PC was able to reduce blood lipase and amylase activities, improve lung and pancreatic pathology, decrease LDH and proteins in BALF, inhibit the production of inflammatory factors, reduce malonaldehyde content and increase SOD activity in the lung and blood as well as increase protein expression of Nrf2, SOD-1 and HO-1 in the lung. However, L-NAME before HBO-PC significantly attenuated protective effects of HBO-PC. HBO-PC is able to protect the lung against AP induced injury by attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress in the lung via a NO dependent manner.

The mechanism underlying alpinetin-mediated alleviation of pancreatitis-associated lung injury through upregulating aquaporin-1

Characterized by its acute onset, critical condition, poor prognosis, and high mortality rate, severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) can cause multiple organ failure at its early stage, particularly acute lung injury (ALI). The pathogenesis of ALI is diffuse alveolar damage, including an increase in pulmonary microvascular permeability, a decrease in compliance, and invasion of many inflammatory cells. Corticosteroids are the main treatment method for ALI; however, the associated high toxicity and side effects induce pain in patients. Recent studies show that the effective components in many traditional Chinese medicines can effectively inhibit inflammation with few side effects, which can decrease the complications caused by steroid consumption. Based on these observations, the main objective of the current study is to investigate the effect of alpinetin, which is a flavonoid extracted from Alpinia katsumadai Hayata, on treating lung injury induced by SAP and to explore the mechanism underlying the alpinetin-mediated decrease in the extent of ALI. In this study, we have shown through in vitro experiments that a therapeutic dose of alpinetin can promote human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell proliferation. We have also shown via in vitro and in vivo experiments that alpinetin upregulates aquaporin-1 and, thereby, inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α expression as well as reduces the degree of lung injury. Overall, our study shows that alpinetin alleviates SAP-induced ALI. The likely molecular mechanism includes upregulated aquaporin expression, which inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α and, thus, alleviates SAP-induced ALI.

Expression of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase and effects of inhibitor Wortmannin on expression of tumor necrosis factor-α in severe acute pancreatitis associated with acute lung injury

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common and serious complication of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The study aimed to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor Wortmannin in SAP associated with ALI.

METHODS

Ninety rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation (SO) group (n=30), SAP group (n=30), and SAP+Wortmannin (SAP+W) group (n=30). SAP model was induced by retrograde injection of 4% sodium taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct of rats. The rate of lung water content, myeloperoxidase (MPO), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), protein kinase B (PKB), abdphosphorylation of protein kinase B (P-PKB) activity in the lung tissue were evaluated.

RESULTS

In the SAP group, the p-PKB expression in the lung tissue began to rise at 3 hours after modeling, and peaked at 12 hours (P<0.05); the rate of lung water content, MPO and TNF-α activity were also gradually increased, and the degree of lung lesion gradually increased (P<0.05). In the SAP+Wortmannin group, the p-PKB expression in the lung tissue began to rise at 3 hours after modeling, and peaked at 12 hours; it was higher than that in the SO group (P<0.05), but significantly lower than that in the SAP group (P<0.05). The rest indicators in the SAP+Wortmannin group were also significantly decreased as compared with the SAP group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase B was elevated in severe pancreatitis rats with lung injury. This suggested that PI3K signal transduction pathway is involved in the control and release of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of severe acute pancreatitis associated with lung injury. This finding indicated that Wortmannin can block the PI3K signal transduction pathway, and inhibit the release of inflammatory factor TNF-α.