Therapeutic potential of nebulized plasma activated saline (N-PAS) in treating pulmonary infections in rats

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial and therapeutic effects of nebulized-plasma activated saline (N-PAS) on pulmonary infections caused by Escherichia coli in rats. This research highlights the novel therapeutic potential of N-PAS for treating respiratory infection in animal models. Seven groups of four-week-old Wistar rats, each weighing approximately 180 g, were used. After inducing pulmonary infections with E. coli, the rats inhaled 36 ml of N-PAS for 30 min daily over a period of 7 days. Blood samples were analyzed to assess Paraoxonase-1and catalase enzyme activities, malondialdehyde levels, and total antioxidant capacity. Results were compared to those of untreated infected rats, rats treated with non-activated saline, and also healthy rats to evaluate efficacy and potential side effects. N-PAS significantly enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced oxidative stress compared to controls. histopathological analysis showed minimal lung tissue damage in N-PAS-treated groups. Furthermore, Prolonged exposure up to 17 days revealed no significant side effects. These findings suggest that N-PAS inhalation is a promising and safe therapeutic approach for respiratory infections.