Quercetin Confers Protection against Sepsis-Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome by Suppressing ROS/p38 MAPK...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Pharmacology
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a critical condition with high mortality.
• Identifying effective therapeutic strategies for ARDS remains a significant challenge in critical care medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the mechanism by which quercetin (Que) mitigates sepsis-related ARDS.
• To investigate the role of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in Que's protective effects.

Main Methods:

• A murine model of sepsis-related ARDS was established using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in C57BL/6 mice.
• In vitro studies utilized murine alveolar macrophages (MH-S) treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Que.
• Assessed oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway both in vivo and in vitro.

Main Results:

• Quercetin treatment significantly alleviated lung injury, improved survival rates, and enhanced gas exchange in a murine ARDS model.
• Que reduced markers of oxidative stress, inflammation (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6), and apoptosis in lung tissue and macrophages.
• Mechanistically, Que suppressed ROS production and p38 MAPK phosphorylation, effects further enhanced by the ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine (NAC).

Conclusions:

• Quercetin demonstrates potent anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.
• These protective effects are mediated through the suppression of the ROS/p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
• Quercetin represents a promising therapeutic agent for managing sepsis-related ARDS.