Attenuation of acute lung injury in a rat model by Semen Cassiae

BACKGROUND Acute lung injury (ALI) is an inflammatory disorder. Semen Cassiae has potent anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of our study was to investigate whether Semen Cassiae plays a protective effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI and, if so, to elucidate its potential mechanism. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rat lungs were injured by intratracheal instillation of LPS. Rats were treated with Semen Cassiae or vehicle 3 h after LPS challenge. Samples were harvested 24 h post-LPS administration. We also investigated the effects of Semen Cassiae on LPS stimulation in RAW 264.7 cells. RESULTS LPS administration markedly induced pulmonary edema and polymorphonuclear neutrophil influxes. These changes were significantly attenuated in Semen Cassiae treated group. Moreover, Semen Cassiae markedly reduced pulmonary interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels. The pulmonary soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) activity and the DNA binding activity of Nuclear factor (NF)-κB were significantly inhibited in Semen Cassiae treated group. Furthermore, Semen Cassiae treatment significantly increased epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) activity. Our in vitro study demonstrates that Semen Cassiae treatment may inhibit LPS induced IκBα phosphorylation and NF-κB p65 nucleus translocation. CONCLUSION Semen Cassiae protects LPS-induced ALI in rats. Semen Cassiae can be developed as a novel treatment for ALI.