Effect of nuclear factor-kappa B decoy oligodeoxynncleotides on respiratory function and cytokine expression after severe lung contusion in rabbits

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of nuclear factor-kappa B （ NF-κB ） decoy oligodeoxynueleotides （ODN） on respiratory function and expressions of IL-1β and IL-13 in serum following severe lung contusion in rabbits. Methods A total of 40 New-Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups, ie, severe lung contusion group （Group A, n = 12）, severe lung contusion with NF-κB scrambled decoy ODN intervention group （ Group B, n = 12） , severe lung contusion with sense NF- B decoy ODN intervention group （Group C, n = 12） and nomlal control group （Group D, n =4）. After the contusion model was set up, the sense and scrambled NF-κB decoy ODN were infused into the rabbits via the jugular veins in different groups, with 20 g per experimental rabbit. After contusion, respiratory frequency, tidal volume, airway pressure, respiration flow rate curve and end expiration nitric oxide concentration were detected at 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours. The expressions of IL-1β and IL-13 in serum were observed by means of ELISA. Results After sense NF-κB decoy ODN intervention, alveolar ventilation, arterial PO2 and pulmonary compliance were improved, compared with Group A and Group B, with statistical difference （ P 〈 0. 01 ）. The expression of IL-1β was decreased and that of IL-13 increased after sense NF-κB decoy ODN intervention to the severe lung contusion, compared with Groups A and B, with statistical difference （P 〈0.01 ）. The expression of IL-1β was increased to peak level at 1 hour after contusion, which continued to the end of the experiment. While expression of IL-13 was decreased at 1 hour after contusion and reached the minimum level at 4 hours. With intervention with sense decoy ODN, the increased expression of IL-1β was down-regulated, but expression of IL-13 remained at high level, with statistical difference compared with Group A and Group B （ P 〈 0. 01 ）. Conclusions Intervention with sense NF-κB decoy ODN can significantly protect the respiratory function, reduce the expression of IL-1β, and increase expression of IL-13 after severe lung contusion. Key words: Thoracic injuries ; Nuclear factor-kappa B ; Decoy oligodeoxynucleotides ; Respiratory mechanics; Pulmonary ventilation; Pulmonary gas exchange; Inflammation mediators