Bakuchiol Protects Against Acute Lung Injury in Septic Mice

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory reaction that may lead to multiple organ damage and acute lung injury (ALI). Bakuchiol (Bak) has been reported to confer protection against inflammation and oxidative stress. However, its effect on sepsis-induced acute lung injury remains unclear. In the present study, male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and Bak (15, 30, 60 mg/kg) was administered intragastrically after 0 and 3 h of surgery. Lung water content was detected. Pathologic changes in lung tissues were evaluated via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were evaluated using ELISA. In addition, expression levels of phosphorylated (p)-IκB, ICAM-1, HMGB1, nitrotyrosine (3-NT), claudin-1, and VE-cadherin were detected using Western blot. Further, IL-1β expression was evaluated using immunofluorescence. SOD activity, contents of MDA, and 8-OHdG were detected to determine the level of oxidative stress. Our results suggested that Bak (60 mg/kg) treatment significantly attenuated pathologic changes and edema in lung tissues and attenuated inflammation and oxidative stress in the lung following sepsis. Additionally, Bak treatment alleviated sepsis-induced lung endothelial barrier disruption. In conclusion, Bak treatment attenuates ALI following sepsis by suppressing inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial barrier disruption. Our study indicates that Bak is a potential candidate to treat sepsis-induced ALI.