IL-6 In Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Research Articles

Cavidine Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury via NF-κB Signaling Pathway in vivo and in vitro.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by widespread inflammation in the lungs and alveolar-capillary destruction, causing high morbidity and mortality. Cavidine, isolated from Corydalis impatiens, have been exhibited to have potent anti-inflammatory effects in previous studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of cavidine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI and to enunciate the underlying in vivo and in vitro mechanisms. Mice were intraperitoneally administrated with cavidine (1, 3, or 10mg/kg) at 1 and 12h, prior to the induction of ALI by intranasal administration of LPS (30mg/kg). Blood samples, lung tissues, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were harvested after LPS challenge. Furthermore, we used LPS-induced lung epithelial cells A549 to examine the mechanism of cavidine to lung injury. The results showed that pretreatment with cavidine significantly decreased lung wet-to-dry weight (W/D) ratio, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels including TNF-α and IL-6 in BALF and serum from LPS-stimulated mice, and attenuated lung histopathological changes. In addition, western blot results showed that cavidine inhibited the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) p65 and IκBα induced by LPS. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that cavidine protects against LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice via inhibiting of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and IL-6 production and NF-κB signaling pathway activation. Taken together, cavidine may be useful for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary inflammatory diseases, such as ALI.

Transplantation of Menstrual Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promotes the Repair of LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury.

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) have been shown to be good therapeutic tools in diseases such as ovarian failure and cardiac fibrosis. However, relevant studies of MenSCs in ALI have not yet proceeded. We hypothesized that MenSC could attenuate the inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI and promote the repair of damaged lung. ALI model was induced by LPS in C57 mice, and saline or MenSCs were administered via tail vein after four hours. The MenSCs were subsequently detected in the lungs by a live imaging system. The MenSCs not only improved pulmonary microvascular permeability and attenuated histopathological damage, but also mediated the downregulation of IL-1β and the upregulation of IL-10 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and the damaged lung. Immunohistochemistry revealed the increased expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the reduced expression of caspase-3 indicating the beneficial effect of MenSCs. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) was also upregulated after MenSCs administrated. As shown using transwell co-culture, the MenSCs also could improve the viability of BEAS-2B cells and inhibit LPS-induced apoptosis. These findings suggest that MenSC-based therapies could be promising strategies for treating ALI.

Natural helper cells are associated with the exacerbated airway inflammation seen during RSV reinfection of neonatally primed mice

Infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in neonatal mice causes more aggressive airway disease when the mice are reinfected with the same virus as adults. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon are not entirely defined. Natural helper (NH) cells are considered a key factor for virus-induced or exacerbated airway inflammation and airway hyper-responsiveness by producing type 2 cytokines. To confirm whether NH cells are involved in the aggravated lung pathology seen during reinfection, BALB/c mice were initially infected as neonates and reinfected in adulthood. We observed that neonatal RSV infection resulted in an enhanced infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils in the lungs, in parallel with a significant increase in the levels of IL-5 and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids on day 2 after reinfection. It seems likely that pulmonary NH cells may play a role in the occurrence, since mice first infected at 1wk of age developed an additional increase in the number of NH cells as well as IL-5- and IL-13-producing NH cells in the lungs than those first infected as young adults. In fact, an elevated expression of mRNAs for IL-5 and IL-13 in pulmonary NH cells was detected in mice first infected as neonates. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of NH cells into neonatal mice was able to boost eosinophilic infiltration as well as the production of type 2 cytokines in the lungs after reinfection at adulthood. In contrast, the expression of mRNA for the type 1 cytokine IFN-γ was down-regulated markedly by adoptive transfer of NH cells. Thus, these results suggest that Th2-type NH cells may play a role in the exacerbated airway inflammation seen during RSV reinfection of neonatally primed mice.

Dynamic changes in bronchoalveolar macrophages and cytokines during infection of pigs with a highly or low pathogenic genotype 1 PRRSV strain

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) replicates primarily in pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) and the resulting lung damage is influenced by strain virulence. To better understand the pathogenesis of PRRSV infection, we performed a longitudinal study of the PAM population and lung cytokines in specific pathogen-free pigs infected either with the highly pathogenic Lena strain or with the low pathogenic Finistere strain in comparison to uninfected pigs. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood were collected to follow viral, cellular and cytokine changes in lung with respect to clinical signs and systemic events. Compared to Finistere-infected pigs, Lena-infected pigs exhibited more severe clinical signs and 10- to 100-fold higher viral loads in BALF and blood. Similarly, they showed an earlier drop in BALF cell viability and phagocytic activity along with a decrease in the macrophage count. From 8 to 15 days post-infection (dpi), monocytes increased both in BALF and blood from Lena-infected pigs. BALF and blood showed contrasting cytokine patterns, with low increase of IFN-α and TNF-α levels and high increase for IL-1α and IL-8 in BALF after Lena-infection. In contrast, in the blood, the increase was marked for IFN-α and TNF-α but limited for IL-1β and IL-8. Down-regulation of PAM functions combined with inflammatory cytokine and monocyte recruitment may promote lung pathogenesis and virus replication in PRRSV infections with the highly pathogenic Lena strain. In contrast, the low pathogenic Finistere strain showed prolonged viral replication in lung, possibly related to the weak IFN-γ response.

Effects of corticosteroid plus long-acting beta2-agonist on the expression of PD-L1 in double-stranded RNA-induced lung inflammation in mice

BackgroundAirway viral infections cause the exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. PD-L1, also known as B7-H1, is an immune-checkpoint molecule that plays a role in an escape mechanism of viruses from the host immune systems. This escape may be associated with the persistence of viral infection and the exacerbation of the underlying diseases. In a study in vitro, we have shown that corticosteroids plus long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) attenuate the upregulation of PD-L1 on airway epithelial cells stimulated with an analog of viral double-stranded RNA, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C). To address its biological relevance in vivo, we investigated the effect of corticosteroid plus LABA on the expression of PD-L1 in double-stranded RNA-induced lung inflammation in mice.MethodsMice were intratracheally administered with poly I:C. The expression of PD-L1 on the lung cells was assessed by flow cytometry and inflammation was assessed for bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Independent as well as combination effects of ciclesonide and indacaterol were examined.ResultsAdministration of low dose poly I:C upregulated the expression of PD-L1, induced neutrophilia and increased keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β), and IL-6 in BALF. The upregulation of PD-L1, neutrophilic inflammation and increase of KC were suppressed by ciclesonide plus indacaterol, but not by either when administered independently. Although the upregulation of PD-L1 by high dose poly I:C was suppressed by ciclesonide plus indacaterol, neutrophilia and increased KC, MIP-1β, and IL-6 in BALF were not attenuated.ConclusionsCiclesonide plus indacaterol attenuate double-stranded RNA-induced upregulation of PD-L1 in the lungs.

Bufalin Inhibits the Inflammatory Effects in Asthmatic Mice through the Suppression of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Activity

Asthma is an inflammatory airway disease characterized by increased infiltration of inflammatory cells into the airways and poor respiratory function. Bufalin is one of the biological ingredients obtained from Chansu. Bufalin was found to possess various pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory activities. However, the effect of bufalin treatment on asthma has not yet been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of bufalin on asthmatic response in a murine model. A mouse asthma model was developed by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge in the BALB/c mice. OVA-specific serum IgE and the levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Recruitment of inflammatory cells into BALF or lung tissues, and goblet cell hyperplasia were evaluated by histological staining. The expression levels of inhibitory subunit of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) alpha (IκBα) and phosphorylated p65 protein were measured by Western blot analyses. The results demonstrated that bufalin (5 and 10 mg/kg) markedly attenuated hyperresponsiveness, and strongly suppressed the OVA-induced increases of total inflammatory cells including macrophages, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophils in BALF. The levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in BALF and OVA-specific IgE in serum were significantly reduced by bufalin. Histological staining of lung tissues showed that bufalin reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and goblet cell hyperplasia. The results of Western blotting indicated that bufalin suppressed the IκBα degradation from NF-κB, and reduced the level of phosphorylated p65 protein in the lung tissues. These data suggest that bufalin can exert its anti-inflammatory effects possibly through the inhibition of the NF-κB activity.

A specific immune therapeutic effect of Der p2 T cell epitope vaccine on asthma mice

To investigate the specific immune therapeutic effect of the T cell fusion peptide vaccine from group II allergens from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p2). Thirty mice were randomly divided into three groups, namely a negative control group (a PBS group), positive control group (an asthma group) and protein Der p2 T cell fusion epitope for specific immunotherapy (SIT) group (a Der p2 T group). The extract of house dust mites (HDM) was used to establish the asthmatic models in BALB/c mice, and the PBS group was always used with PBS buffer. Thirty minutes before spray inhalation from 25 to 27 days, the mice of the Der p2 T group were respectively injected subcutaneously with the therapeutic proteins for SIT, then the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected. ELISA was used to assay the levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-13 in BALF, as well as serum levels of specific IgE and IgG2a. The lung tissue sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for pathological examinations. The ELISA detection revealed that the number of eosinophil in BALF of the asthmatic mice was (5.57 ± 0.64)×105/ml, which was significantly higher than that in the PBS group [(0.50 ±0.30)×105/ml, P < 0.01], the number of eosinophil in the Der p2 T immunotherapy group decreased significantly [(3.45 ± 0.36)×105/ml, P < 0.01]. The content of IFN-γ in the PBS group, asthma group and Der p2 T group were (267.00 ± 21.98), (155.80 ± 20.53) pg/ml and (234.40 ± 24.46) pg/ml respectively. Compared with the asthma group, the mice with Der p2 T vaccine specific immune treatment produced a high level of IFN-γ (P < 0.01). The content of IL-4 in the PBS group, asthma group and Der p2 T group were (23.40 ± 5.96), (53.28 ± 8.26) pg/ml and (30.00 ± 5.50) pg/ml respectively. Compared with the asthma group, the content of IL-4 in the mice of the Der p2 T treatment group was significantly lower (P < 0.01). Compared with the asthma group [(308.10 ± 28.32) pg/ml], the content of IL-13 in BALF of the mice in the Der p2 T treatment group was significantly decreased, which was [(174.50 ± 25.99) pg/ml, P < 0.01]. The content of IL-13 in the PBS group was (95.99 ± 31.14) pg/ml. The lung tissue sections showed that the lung inflammation in the p2 T Der group was significantly less than that in the asthma group, and the inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly decreased, and airway epithelial construction remodeled. The Der p2 T cell fusion epitope, which is as vaccines for specific immunotherapy with asthma models, can alleviate effectively allergic inflammation of airway and lung in the mice, and it may be used as a candidate vaccine for asthma.

Structurally Related Monoterpenes p-Cymene, Carvacrol and Thymol Isolated from Essential Oil from Leaves of Lippia sidoides Cham. (Verbenaceae) Protect Mice against Elastase-Induced Emphysema.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction and inflammation. Natural products, such as monoterpenes, displayed anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities and can be used as a source of new compounds to COPD treatment. Our aim was to evaluate, in an elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema in mice, the effects of and underlying mechanisms of three related natural monoterpenes (p-cymene, carvacrol and thymol) isolated from essential oil from leaves Lippia sidoides Cham. (Verbenaceae). Methods: Mices received porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) and were treated with p-cymene, carvacrol, thymol or vehicle 30 min later and again on 7th, 14th and 28th days. Lung inflammatory profile and histological sections were evaluated. Results: In the elastase-instilled animals, the tested monoterpenes reduced alveolar enlargement, macrophages and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-17 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and collagen fibers, MMP-9 and p-65-NF-κB-positive cells in lung parenchyma (p < 0.05). All treatments attenuated levels of 8-iso-PGF2α but only thymol was able to reduced exhaled nitric oxide (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Monoterpenes p-cymene, carvacrol and thymol reduced lung emphysema and inflammation in mice. No significant differences among the three monoterpenes treatments were found, suggesting that the presence of hydroxyl group in the molecular structure of thymol and carvacrol do not play a central role in the anti-inflammatory effects.

Dietary Enrichment with 20% Fish Oil Decreases Mucus Production and the Inflammatory Response in Mice with Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Lung Inflammation.

The prevalence of asthma has increased in recent decades, which may be related to higher dietary intake of (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and lower intake of (n-3) PUFA, e.g., those contained in fish oil. The objective of this study was to determine if dietary PUFA enrichment decreases mucus production or the inflammatory response associated with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic lung inflammation. Mice (n = 10/group) were fed control, 20% fish oil, or 20% corn oil enriched diets for a total of 12 weeks. At 8 and 10 weeks, mice were given an intraperitoneal injection of saline (10 control-fed mice) or OVA (30 remaining mice). Once at 10 weeks and on 3 consecutive days during week 12, mice were challenged by nebulizing with saline or OVA. Mice were euthanized 24 hours after the last challenge and blood was collected for plasma FA analysis. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was collected to determine cell composition and Th2-type cytokine (IL-4, IL-13) concentrations. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) + mucus-producing cells and CD45+ inflammatory cell infiltrates in lung tissue were quantified using morphometric analysis. Relative abundance of mRNA for mucin (Muc4, Muc5ac, and Muc5b) and Th2-type cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) genes were compared with ß-actin by qPCR. Supplementation with either corn oil or fish oil effectively altered plasma FA profiles towards more (n-6) FA or (n-3) FA, respectively (P < 0.0001). Sensitization and challenge with OVA increased the proportion of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and eosinophils, and decreased the proportion of macrophages and concentrations of IL-13 in BAL fluid; increased the percentage of PAS+ mucus-producing cells and CD45+ inflammatory cell infiltrates in lung tissue; and increased gene expression of mucins (Muc4, Muc5ac, and Muc5b) and Th2-type cytokines (IL-5 and IL-13) in lung tissue of control-fed mice. Dietary PUFA reversed the increase in PAS+ mucus-producing cells (P = 0.003). In addition, dietary enrichment with fish oil attenuated the percentage of CD45+ inflammatory cell infiltrates in lung tissue, and increased Muc4 and Muc 5b gene expression compared with OVA-sensitized and challenged control mice. In conclusion, dietary enrichment with either (n-3) or (n-6) PUFA decreased mucus production in lung tissues of OVA-sensitized and challenged mice. More specifically, enrichment with dietary (n-3) PUFA decreased CD45+ inflammatory cell infiltrates, thus inducing potentially beneficial changes in lung tissue of OVA-sensitized and challenged mice.

Pycnogenol Ameliorates Asthmatic Airway Inflammation and Inhibits the Function of Goblet Cells.

Pycnogenol® (PYC) is utilized in the treatment of various diseases ranging from chronic inflammation to circulatory diseases, but its efficacy and functional mechanism in pediatric asthma continue to remain obscure. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and molecular mechanism of PYC on regulation of asthmatic airway inflammation. We found that PYC with tail intravenous injection of 50 mg/kg or intragastric administration of 100 mg/kg all reduced ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway injury. Pharmacokinetics of PYC was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography assay, indicating that PYC was quickly absorbed into the blood after intragastric administration, and PYC metabolism was later improved gradually with increase of time after PYC administration. PYC has a higher bioavailability of 71.96%, and it was more easily absorbed by the body. PYC inhibited the number of total inflammatory cells and levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of OVA-induced mice. PYC inhibited IL-13 secretion from the Th2 cells, thereby causing a reduction in expression of the signaling molecules in JAK/STAT6 pathway in airway epithelial cells. STAT6 silence suppressed IL-13-increased acetylcholine level. STAT6 overexpression promoted expression of goblet cell metaplasia-associated molecules (FOXA3, SPDEF, and Muc5ac). PYC suppressed OVA-induced expression of FOXA3, SPDEF, and Muc5ac in lung. Our findings indicate that PYC has a higher bioavailability and it prevents emergence of OVA-induced airway injury and airway inflammation in mice by inhibiting IL-13/JAK/STAT6 pathway and blocking release of acetylcholine to reduce goblet cell metaplasia.

Anti-inflammatory active fraction screening and mechanism of unripe Forsythiae Fructus based on ¹H-NMR metabolomics

To screen the anti-inflammatory active fraction of unripe Forsythiae Fructus, and elucidate the action mechanism, water decoction, ethyl acetate portion, n-butanol portion and residue water extracts of unripe Forsythiae Fructus were administered into rats for continuously 15 days. The acute lung injury inflammatory model was established to observe the section structure of lung tissues. Levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-10 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were determined by ELISA kits, and changes in endogenous metabolites in serum were analyzed based on 1H-NMR metabolomics. The results showed that ethyl acetate portion of unripe Forsythiae Fructus had a better anti-inflammatory activity against acute lung injury, and could suppress the release of inflammatory factors of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, significantly reduce contents of creatine, β-OH-butyrate, succinate, lysine, valine, isoleucine and glutamine, and elevate the content of GPC in serum. Ethyl acetate portion was proved to be the main fraction of anti-inflammatory activity from the perspective of endogenous metabolites in serum, and played an anti-inflammatory role by regulating creatine metabolism, choline metabolism, branched-chain amino acid metabolism and TCA cycles. This study could lay a foundation for studying pharmacodynamic material basis of unripe Forsythiae Fructus.

Hydrogen Gas Inhalation Attenuates Seawater Instillation-Induced Acute Lung Injury via the Nrf2 Pathway in Rabbits.

Seawater instillation-induced acute lung injury involves oxidative stress and apoptosis. Although hydrogen gas inhalation is reportedly protective in multiple types of lung injury, the effect of hydrogen gas inhalation on seawater instillation-induced acute lung injury remains unknown. This study investigated the effect of hydrogen gas on seawater instillation-induced acute lung injury and explored the mechanisms involved. Rabbits were randomly assigned to control, hydrogen (2% hydrogen gas inhalation), seawater (3mL/kg seawater instillation), and seawater + hydrogen (3mL/kg seawater instillation + 2% hydrogen gas inhalation) groups. Arterial partial oxygen pressure and lung wet/dry weight ratio were detected. Protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 levels were determined. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to monitor changes in lung specimens, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were assayed. In addition, NF-E2-related factor (Nrf) 2 and heme oxygenase (HO)-1 mRNA and protein expression were measured, and apoptosis was assessed by measuring caspase-3 expression and using terminal deoxy-nucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. Hydrogen gas inhalation markedly improved lung endothelial permeability and decreased both MDA content and MPO activity in lung tissue; these changes were associated with decreases in TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in BALF. Hydrogen gas also alleviated histopathological changes and cell apoptosis. Moreover, Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions were significantly activated and caspase-3 expression was inhibited. These results demonstrate that hydrogen gas inhalation attenuates seawater instillation-induced acute lung injury in rabbits and that the protective effects observed may be related to the activation of the Nrf2 pathway.

Curcumin ameliorates alveolar epithelial injury in a rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

AimsTo investigate the effects of curcumin on alveolar epithelial injury in a rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its potential mechanism. Main methodsThe rat COPD model was established by cigarette smoke exposure combined with intratracheal administration of lipopolysaccharide. Thirty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, COPD model, COPD with curcumin and COPD with solvent groups. Neutrophil and macrophage infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was evaluated, and the levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in BALF and serum were determined by ELISA. Histopathological examination and TUNEL staining were used to assess the alveolar epithelial injury. The protein expression of p66Shc and p-p66Shc in the lung tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Key findingsCurcumin significantly decreased the numbers of total cells, neutrophils and macrophages in BALF from COPD rats. In addition, the levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in BALF and serum of COPD rats were significantly decreased after treatment with curcumin. Moreover, curcumin ameliorated emphysema and ultrastructural damage of alveolar epithelial cells in COPD rats. The apoptosis index of alveolar epithelial cells in the COPD with curcumin group was significantly lower than that in the COPD model group. Furthermore, the protein expression of p66Shc and p-p66Shc in alveolar epithelia was significantly decreased in the COPD with curcumin group compared with COPD model group. SignificanceCurcumin attenuates alveolar epithelial injury in COPD rats, which may be partially due to the down-regulation of p66Shc.

Effect of sevoflurane on autophagy in lung tissues of asthmatic mice

Objective To investigate the effect of sevoflurane on autophagy in lung tissues of asthmatic mice. Methods Twenty-four SPF female C57BL/6 mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 23-27 g, were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=8 each) using a random number table: control group, asthma group and sevoflurane group.The mice were sensitized with intraperitoneal ovalbumin 10 μg and 1 mg potassium aluminium sulfate in 0.5 ml of normal saline (NS) on 1st day of establishment of the model, and asthma was challenged with aerosolized 1% ovalbumin in 50 ml of NS for 30 min once a day for 7 consecutive days starting from 15th day in asthma group.Asthma was induced using the method mentioned above, and the sensitized animals inhaled 3% sevoflurane for 1 h after each challenge in sevoflurane group.In control group, potassium aluminium sulfate 1 mg in 0.5 ml of NS was intraperitoneally injected on 1st day of establishment of the model, and the mice were exposed to aerosolized 0.9% NS 50 ml for 30 min once a day for 7 consecutive days starting from 15th day.At 24 h after the last challenge, the lung was lavaged, and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for determination of the inflammatory cell count and concentrations of interleukin-13 (IL-13) and IL-10 in BALF (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The lung tissues were taken for examination of the inflammatory cell infiltration and damage to the bronchial epithelia and to the structure of alveolus and for determination of Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) expression (by Western blot). Results Compared with control group, the inflammatory cell count and concentrations of IL-13 and IL-10 in BALF were significantly increased, and the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3 in lung tissues was significantly up-regulated in asthma group (P<0.05). Compared with asthma group, the inflammatory cell count and concentrations of IL-13 in BALF were significantly decreased, the IL-10 concentration in BALF was significantly increased, and the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3 in lung tissues was significantly down-regulated in sevoflurane group (P<0.05). There was significantly less inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissues, necrosis and shedding of bronchial epithelial cells and alveolar wall disruption in sevoflurane group. Conclusion The mechanism by which sevoflurane inhibits airway inflammation is related to inhibition of autophagy in asthmatic mice. Key words: Asthma; Anesthetics, inhalation; Autophagy; Lung

Effects of epinephrine on early inflammatory cytokines and acute lung injury in endotoxemic rats

Objective To investigate the effects of epinephrine in sepsis-associated lung injury in rats. Methods Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into three groups(n=10 per group): control group received intravenous 0.9% saline 2.4 ml/(kg·h); LPS group received intravenous LPS(6 mg/kg); epinephrine treatment group received an infusion of epinephrine 0.6 μg/(kg·min) after LPS intravenous injection.Blood samples were taken at 2 h and 6 h after LPS injection and the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-10 were detected.The rats were sacrificed at 6 h. The lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) were collected.Pathological changes of the lung tissues were observed under light microscope.Water content of lung, expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 in BALF and in serum were detected. Results (1)The water content of lung in LPS group significantly increased compared with that in control group(85.24%±5.87% vs. 70.19%±5.87%)and epinephrine group(78.00%±6.41%)(P<0.05). (2)Pathological examination showed that LPS could cause pulmonary capillary hyperemia, edema, inflammatory cells infiltration.Atelectasis and alveolar edema were found in small number of lung tissue.Compared with LPS group, epinephrine ameliorated the lung pathological injury.(3)Compared with LPS group, serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 significantly decreased(P<0.05), whereas IL-10 increased(P<0.05) in epinephrine group.(4)Compared with LPS group, BALF levels of TNF-α[(78±9)ng/L vs.(102±16) ng/L] and IL-6[(268±42)ng/L vs.(347±50) ng/L]significantly depressed(P<0.05), whereas BALF levels of IL-10[(210±23)ng/L vs.(146±34) ng/L]elevated(P<0.05) in epinephrine group. Conclusion Epinephrine could reduce the acute lung injury caused by LPS.Its protective effect may be related to decreasing the levels of TNF-α and IL-6, elevating IL-10 level. Key words: Epinephrine; Sepsis; Inflammatory mediators; Acute lung injury; Rats

Inhibitory Effects of Astragaloside IV on Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats Via Attenuation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.

In this study, we investigated the effects of astragaloside IV (As-IV) on pulmonary fibrosis and its mechanisms of action. Sprague-Dawley rats were used in a model of pulmonary fibrosis induced by an intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (BLM). Rats were intraperitoneally injected with As-IV (10, 20, 50mg/kg) daily for 28days, while the rats in control and BLM groups were injected with a saline solution. The effects of As-IV treatment on pulmonary injury were evaluated with the lung wet/dry weight ratios, cell counts, and histopathologic. Oxidative stress was evaluated by detecting the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lung tissue. Inflammation was assessed by measuring the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The results indicated that As-IV treatment remarkably ameliorated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis and attenuated BLM-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Our findings indicate that As-IV-mediated suppression of fibroproliferation may contribute to the anti-fibrotic effect against BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Its mechanisms of action are associated with inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory response. In summary, our study suggests a therapeutic potential of As-IV in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

MAP4K4 deficiency in CD4(+) T cells aggravates lung damage induced by ozone-oxidized black carbon particles.

As the main composition of combustion, black carbon (BC) is becoming more and more noticeable at home and abroad. Ozone-oxidized black carbon (oBC) was produced through aging of ozone, one of the near-surface pollutants, to black carbon. And oBC was found to be more oxidation and cell toxicity when compared with BC. Besides, as a key cell of immunity, whether CD4(+) T cell would involve in lung inflammation induced by particular matter is still unclear. This study aims to observe the effect of oBC on lung damage in mice and discuss how the functional MAP4K4 defect CD4(+) T cells (conditional knockout of MAP4K4) presents its role in this process. In our study, MAP4K4 deletion in CD4(+) T cells (MAP4K4 cKO) could increase cell number of macrophages, lymphocytes and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) exposed to oBC. MAP4K4 deletion in CD4(+) T cell also affected CD4(+) T cell differentiation in mediastinal lymph nodes after oBC stimulation. The number of CD4(+) IL17(+) T cell increased obviously. The levels of IL-6 mRNA of lung in MAP4K4 cKO mice was higher than that in wild type mice after exposed to oBC, while the level of IL-6 in BALF had the same trend. Histological examination showed that MAP4K4 deletion in CD4(+) T cells affected lung inflammation induced by oBC. Results indicated that MAP4K4 cKO in CD4(+) T cells upgraded the level of inflammation in lung when exposed to oBC, which may be connected to the CD4(+) T cell differentiation and JNK, ERK and P38 pathways.

Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidative Effects of Dexpanthenolon Lipopolysaccharide Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of dexpanthenol in a model of acute lung injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Lung injury was induced by exposure to atomized LPS. Mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group; Dxp (500mg/kg) group; LPS group; LPS + Dxp (500mg/kg) group. The effects of dexpanthenol on LPS-induced neutrophil recruitment, cytokine levels, total protein concentration, myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) contents were examined. Additionally, lung tissue was examined by histology to investigate the changes in pathology in the presence and absence of dexpanthenol. In LPS-challenged mice, dexpanthenol significantly improved lung edema. Dexpanthenol also markedly inhibited the LPS-induced neutrophiles influx, protein leakage, and release of TNF-α and IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Furthermore, dexpanthenol attenuated MPO activity and MDA contents and increased SOD and GSH activity in the LPS-challenged lung tissue. These data suggest that dexpanthenol protects mice from LPS-induced acute lung injury by its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities.

Berberine improves airway inflammation and inhibits NF-κB signaling pathway in an ovalbumin-induced rat model of asthma

Objectives: Berberine has been reported for its various activities including anti-inflammatory effects and has been used in treating many diseases. However, its effects on airway inflammation in asthma have not been investigated. This study mainly aimed to detect its effects on the airway inflammation and the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway activity in a rat model of asthma. Methods: Asthma was induced by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge. The asthmatic rats were respectively treated with vehicle PBS or berberine (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg) for 28 days. The control rats were treated with PBS. Inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were counted and the lung inflammation was scored. Levels of NF-κB p65 (mRNA and protein), phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), inhibitory κB alpha (IκBα) (mRNA and protein) and phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα), as well as NF-κB p65 DNA-binding activity, were measured to assess the activity of NF-κB signaling pathway. Levels of the downstream inflammatory mediators of NF-κB signaling, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13 and IL-17 in BALF, were measured. Besides, the serum levels of OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E were measured. Results: Results showed that OVA increased the number of inflammatory cells in BALF, elevated lung inflammation scores, enhanced the NF-κB signaling activity and promoted the production of IgE in rats. Berberine dose-dependently reversed the alterations induced by OVA in the asthmatic rats. Conclusions: The findings suggested a therapeutic potential of berberine on OVA- induced airway inflammation. The ameliorative effects on the OVA-induced airway inflammation might be associated with the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Protective effect of therapeutic hypercapnia on lung during one-lung ventilation in patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy

Objective To evaluate the protective effect of therapeutic hypercapnia on the lung during one-lung ventilation(OLV)in the patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy. Methods Fifty patients of both sexes, aged 20-60 yr, with body mass index 18-30 kg/m2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅱ, scheduled for elective pulmonary lobectomy, were randomly divided into 2 groups(n=25 each)using a random number table: control group(group C)and therapeutic hypercapnia group(group H). After induction of general anesthesia, the patients were endotracheally intubated and mechanically ventilated in volume-controlled mode.The ventilator settings were adjusted during two-lung ventilation to maintain the end-tidal pressure of carbon dioxide(PETCO2) at 25-35 mmHg.Group H inhaled the mixture of CO2 (3%-6%)and O2(70%-82%)during OLV to maintain PETCO2 at 50-60 mmHg.Group C inhaled O2(70%-88%)during OLV to maintain PETCO2 at 25-35 mmHg.Anesthesia was maintained with inhalation of sevoflurane and intravenous infusion of remifentanil.Immediately before OLV and at 30 min after restoration of two-lung ventilation, the airway peak pressure, airway plateau pressure and lung compliance were recorded, arterial blood samples were collected for blood gas analysis, and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid(BALF)from the collapsed lung and venous blood samples were collected for determination of tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α), interleukin-1beta(IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 concentrations in BALF and serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Oxygenation index was calculated. Results Compared with group C, the airway peak pressure and airway plateau pressure were significantly decreased, the lung compliance was significantly increased, the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 in BALF were significantly decreased, and the concentrations of IL-10 in BALF were significantly increased at 30 min after restoration of two-lung ventilation(P 0.05). Conclusion Therapeutic hypercapnia can improve pneumodynamics and attenuate inflammatory responses, and has no significant difference clinically in improving oxygenation during OLV in the patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy. Key words: Hypercapnia; Respiration, artificial; Pneumonectomy