Mechanisms of total flavonoids of Artemisia scoparia against acute lung injury by regulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway

doi:10.19803/j.1672-8629.20260530

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To explore the mechanism by which total flavonoids of Artemisia scoparia (TFA) ameliorate acute lung injury (ALI) in mice by regulating the signaling pathway of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). Methods A total of 90 ICR mice were randomly divided into a control group, model group, dexamethasone group (2.5 mg·kg^-1), TFA low dose, medium dose, and high dose groups (100, 200, 400 mg·kg^-1), with 15 mice in each group. The administration groups were orally administered with corresponding drugs once a day for 5 days. An ALI model was induced by nasal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in these groups except the control group. Samples were collected 16 hours after LPS administration, and the lung weight wet/dry ratio was determined for mice in each group. The pathological changes of lung tissues were examined by HE staining. The protein content in BALF was measured using the BCA method. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in lung tissues were detected using colorimetry. The mRNA expressions of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Keap-1), Nrf2, HO-1, quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in lung tissues were detected by RT-qPCR. The protein expressions of Keap-1, Nrf2 and HO-1 in lung tissues were determined by Western blotting. Results Compared with the model group, the lung wet/dry weight ratio was significantly decreased in the TFA group (P<0.05, P<0.01), pathological injury of lung tissues was significantly improved, and the concentrations of ICAM-1, TNF-α and protein in BALF were significantly deduced (P<0.01). The content of GSH and the activities of SOD and CAT in lung tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the content of MDA and the activities of MPO were markedly decreased (P<0.05). The expression of Keap-1 mRNA and protein in lung tissues was significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA and protein were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion TFA may alleviate inflammatory responses and enhance antioxidant capacity by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, thereby improving ALI.

Key words: Total Flavonoids of Artemisia scoparia (TFA), Acute Lung Injury, Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway, Oxidative Stress

CLC Number:

R951
R994.11

Liu Yan, Shi Yuzhu, Xu Lei, Wang Xue. Mechanisms of total flavonoids of Artemisia scoparia against acute lung injury by regulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway[J]. Chinese Journal of Pharmacovigilance, 2026, 23(9): 997-1004.

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URL: https://zgywjj.magtechjournal.com/EN/10.19803/j.1672-8629.20260530

https://zgywjj.magtechjournal.com/EN/Y2026/V23/I9/997

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