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Published on: August 29, 2010
Adenophora Stricta Root Extract Protects Lung Injury from Exposure to Particulate Matter 2.5 in Mice
Seok-Man Park1,2, Cheol-Jong Jung2, Dae-Geon Lee1,2
1Department of Histology and Anatomy, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan 38610, Korea.
Abstract:
Chronic exposure of particulate matter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) has been considered as one of the major etiologies for various respiratory diseases. Adenophora stricta Miq. is a medicinal herb that has been used for treating respiratory diseases in East Asia. The present study investigated the effect of A. stricta root extract (AsE) on PM2.5-induced lung injury in mice. Oral administration of 100-400 mg/kg AsE for 10 days significantly reduced the PM2.5-mediated increase in relative lung weight, but there was no difference in body weight with AsE administration. In addition, AsE dose-dependently decreased congested region of the lung tissue, prevented apoptosis and matrix degradation, and alleviated mucus stasis induced by PM2.5. Moreover, cytological analysis of bronchioalveolar lavage fluid revealed that AsE significantly inhibited the infiltration of immune cells into the lungs. Consistently, AsE also decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in lung tissue. Furthermore, AsE administration blocked reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation through attenuating the PM2.5-dependent reduction of antioxidant defense system in the lungs. Therefore, A. stricta root would be a promising candidate for protecting lung tissue from air pollution such as PM2.5.
Insights
Adenophora stricta root extract (AsE) protects against particulate matter (PM2.5)-induced lung injury in mice. AsE reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue damage, indicating its potential for respiratory health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Chronic exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a significant cause of respiratory diseases.
- Adenophora stricta Miq. is a traditional East Asian medicinal herb used for respiratory ailments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of Adenophora stricta root extract (AsE) against PM2.5-induced lung injury in a mouse model.
- To evaluate the impact of AsE on inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and tissue damage caused by PM2.5.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered varying doses of AsE orally for 10 days before and during PM2.5 exposure.
- Lung injury was assessed by measuring lung weight, histological changes, apoptosis, matrix degradation, mucus accumulation, and immune cell infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
- Proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and lipid peroxidation were analyzed.
Main Results:
- AsE administration significantly reduced PM2.5-induced increases in relative lung weight and lung tissue congestion.
- AsE prevented apoptosis, matrix degradation, and mucus stasis, while inhibiting immune cell infiltration into the lungs.
- AsE dose-dependently decreased proinflammatory markers, blocked ROS production, and attenuated lipid peroxidation by enhancing antioxidant defenses.
Conclusions:
- Adenophora stricta root extract demonstrates significant protective effects against PM2.5-induced lung injury.
- AsE mitigates lung inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue damage, highlighting its therapeutic potential for air pollution-related respiratory conditions.
