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Dietary Nitrite Attenuates Elastase-Induced Pulmonary Emphysema in a Mouse Model
Kunihiro Sonoda1, Kazuo Ohtake2, Maya Tagiri3
1Department of Food and Nutritional Environment, College of Human Life and Environment, Kinjo Gakuin University.
Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin
|December 4, 2018
Summary
Dietary nitrite, a compound found in food, may help prevent pulmonary emphysema (PE), a lung condition. This study found that nitrite reduced lung damage and inflammation in mice with PE.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Inflammation Research
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Pulmonary emphysema (PE) is a key feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- PE involves lung tissue destruction and inflammation.
- The role of dietary nitrite in PE development is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effects of dietary nitrite on pulmonary emphysema.
- To determine if nitrite can attenuate the development of PE in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Pulmonary emphysema was induced in mice using porcine pancreas elastase (PPE).
- Mice received dietary nitrite at doses of 50 and 150 mg/L in drinking water.
- Emphysematous changes and macrophage accumulation were assessed 21 days post-PPE treatment.
Main Results:
- Dietary nitrite dose-dependently attenuated the development of emphysema.
- Nitrite significantly reduced macrophage accumulation in the lung parenchyma.
- These effects were observed 21 days after PPE instillation.
Conclusions:
- Dietary nitrite demonstrated protective effects against PPE-induced pulmonary emphysema in mice.
- Nitrite's anti-inflammatory actions appear to mitigate emphysematous changes.
- Dietary nitrite may represent a potential nutritional strategy for preventing PE.
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