ROS Plays a Role in the Neonatal Rat Intestinal Barrier Damages Induced by Hyperoxia

D Y Liu1, W J Lou1, D Y Zhang1

  • 1ShengJing Hospital of China Medical University Department of Gastroenterology and Medical Research Center, Liaoning Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Animal Models for Environmental and Metabolic Diseases, SanHao Street #36, HePing District, ShenYang 110000, China.

Insights

Hyperoxia damages neonatal intestinal lining by altering flora and epithelium. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) protects against this injury, suggesting a role for reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hyperoxia-induced damage.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal physiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Cellular biology

Background:

  • Hyperoxia is a critical treatment for neonatal illnesses.
  • However, hyperoxia can induce intestinal damage in neonatal pups.
  • This damage may involve alterations in intestinal flora and mucosal epithelium.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of hyperoxia on intestinal flora and mucosal epithelium in neonatal rats.
  • To explore the protective role of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) against hyperoxia-induced intestinal injury.
  • To elucidate the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in this process.

Main Methods:

  • Neonatal rats were exposed to hyperoxia or normoxia.
  • Intestinal lavage fluid and tissues were analyzed for biomarkers (D-LA, ET, DAO, i-FABP, L-FABP, cytokines).
  • Expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-4) was assessed using immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and RT-PCR. NCM460 cells were used to evaluate NAC's protective effects.

Main Results:

  • Hyperoxia significantly increased D-LA, ET, L-FABP, i-FABP, DAO, TNF-α, IL-10, and IFN-γ.
  • Hyperoxia decreased the expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-4.
  • NAC administration promoted cell survival and restored the expression of tight junction proteins, counteracting hyperoxia-induced reductions.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperoxia causes significant injury to the intestinal mucosa in neonatal rats.
  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in mediating hyperoxia-induced intestinal damage.
  • N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) demonstrates a protective effect against hyperoxia-induced intestinal injury.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos