Protective effect of baicalin against lipopolysaccharideinduced acute lung injury in rats, and the mechanism of action

Purpose: To study the protective influence of baicalin (BA) against LPS-mediated acute lung injury (ALI) in a rat model.
 Methods: Twenty-seven Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were assigned (9 each) to groups as follows: normal control (NC) treated intraperitoneally with saline; lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group 10 mg/kg LPS; and (LPS + Ba) 100 LPS, followed 15 min later by baicalin. Pathological changes assessed H & E staining. Different types cells identified counted using Rayleigh Giemsa Levels IL-6 TNF-α IL-1β pulmonary tissue determined enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Matute-Bello scoring method was applied evaluate extent injury, while expression levels Nrf2, HO-1 NQO1 assayed Western blot.
 Results: Lung score, numbers neutrophils macrophages significantly higher LPS than NC group. Inflammatory BA lower those (p < 0.05). Compared group, IL-6, increased, but reduced rats, relative Expression 0.05) group.
 Conclusion: Baicalin protects from LPS-induced ALI enhancing expressions Nrf2 through activation Nrf2/ARE signal pathway. These findings may be useful developing novel BA-based anti-inflammatory drugs.