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Protective Effects of Apigenin Against Paraquat-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice
Rui-Ling Luan1, Xiang-Xi Meng2, Wei Jiang3
1Department of Pharmacy, Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China.
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of apigenin against paraquat (PQ)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice. Male Kunming mice were randomly divided into five groups: group 1 (control), group 2 (PQ), group 3 (PQ + apigenin 25 mg/kg), group 4 (PQ + apigenin 50 mg/kg), and group 5 (PQ + apigenin 100 mg/kg). The PQ + apigenin group received apigenin by gavage daily for consecutive 7 days, respectively, while the mice in control and PQ groups were given an equivalent volume of saline. We detected the lung wet/dry weight ratios and the histopathology of the lung. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The activity of nuclear factor (NF)-κB was also determined. The results indicated that apigenin administration decreased biochemical parameters of inflammation and oxidative stress, and improved oxygenation and lung edema in a dose-dependent manner. These protective effects of apigenin were associated with inhibition of NF-κB. In conclusion, apigenin reduces PQ-induced ALI by inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Insights
Apigenin protects against paraquat-induced acute lung injury (ALI) by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This natural compound demonstrated dose-dependent protective effects in a mouse model.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Paraquat (PQ) is a herbicide that can cause severe lung damage.
- Acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical condition with high mortality.
- Investigating natural compounds for protective effects against ALI is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective potential of apigenin against PQ-induced ALI in mice.
- To determine the mechanisms underlying apigenin's effects on inflammation and oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- Male Kunming mice were exposed to PQ and treated with varying doses of apigenin.
- Lung wet/dry weight ratios and histopathology were assessed.
- Levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), oxidative stress markers (MDA, MPO, SOD, GSH-Px), and NF-κB activity were measured.
Main Results:
- Apigenin administration significantly reduced lung edema and improved lung histopathology.
- Biochemical markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were decreased by apigenin in a dose-dependent manner.
- Apigenin's protective effects were linked to the inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling.
Conclusions:
- Apigenin exhibits significant protective effects against paraquat-induced acute lung injury.
- These effects are mediated through the inhibition of inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, particularly NF-κB.
- Apigenin represents a potential therapeutic agent for managing acute lung injury.
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