【Abstract】Objective To investigate the role of VEGF and its soluble VEGF receptor ( sVEGFR-1) in pathogenesis of acute lung injury ( ALI) induced by immersion in seawater after open chest trauma. Methods Sixteen hybridized adult dogs were randomly divided into control group and seawater group. The control group only suffered from open chest trauma, whereas the seawater group were exposed to seawater after open chest trauma. Blood samples were collected at the 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 h after trauma for measurement of white blood cell count, arterial blood gas, plasma osmotic pressure ( POP) , electrolyte concentration, IL-8, vWF, VEGF and sVEGFR-1 levels. The lungs tissue and BALF was collected at 8 h after trauma. Pathological changes of the lung was observed under light microscope by HE staining. Meanwhile VEGF and sVEGFR-1 levels were measured in BALF and lung tissue homogenate. Total protein concentrations in plasma and BALF were measured to calculate the pulmonary penetration index ( PPI) . Results The lung of the seawater group showed interstitial mononuclear cell and neutrophil infiltration, interstitial edema, and vascular congestion. VEGF and sVEGFR-1 were significantly increased in the plasma, while VEGF was significantly reduced in the lung tissues and BALF. The levels of IL-1β, IL-8 and vWF, just as the level of VEGF, were significantly increased in the plasma. Meanwhile, the POP and electrolyte concentration were significantly increased. In the plasma, the responses of VEGFs during the early onset of ALI induced by immersion in seawater after open chest trauma were consistent with the POP and PPI. Conclusions High plasma levels and low BALF/ lung tissue levels of VEGFs is a distinguishing characteristic during the early onset of ALI induced by immersion in seawater after open chest trauma. VEGF may be a novel biomarker which has an important role in the development of ALI.
Objective To observe the effects of exogenous pulmonary surfactant (PS) on ventilation-induced lung injury (VILI) in rats, and to investigate its possible mechanisms. Methods A total of 40 Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups with randomized blocks method: control group, high tidal volume (HV) group, VILI group, and PS group, with 10 rats in each group. The control group was subjected to identical surgical procedure but was never ventilated. After 30 min of mechanical ventilation (MV) with Vt 45 ml/kg, the rats in HV group were killed immediately; rats in the VILI group were continually ventilated for up to 150 min with Vt 16 ml/kg; in the PS group, 100 mg/kg of PS administered intratracheally and with the same settings as VILI group. Mean artery pressure (MAP), blood gas analysis, lung wet to dry weight ratios (W/D), thorax-lung compliance, and cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. Nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) activity in lungs was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), interleukin-8(IL-8) in serum and BALF was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Pathological examination of the lung was performed. Results Injurious ventilation significantly decreased MAP and PaO2/FiO2, but increased NF-κB activity and W/D. MAP and PaO2/FiO2 improved, but NF-κB activity, IL-8 in serum and BALF, and cell counts in BALF reduced significantly in PS group compared with those in VILI group. Histological studies showed reduced pulmonary edema and atelectasis in the PS group. Conclusion PS administered intratracheally can suppress the increased activity of NF-κB induced by VILI, exogenous PS can be used to treat VILI.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on respiratory function and hemodynamics in acute lung injury (ALI) with intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). MethodsSix pigs were anesthetized and received mechanical ventilation (MV). Volume controlled ventilation was set with tidal volumn(VT) of 8 mL/kg,respiratory rate(RR) of 16 bpm,inspired oxygen concentration (FiO2) of 0.40,and PEEP of 5 cm H2O. ALI was induced by repeated lung lavage with diluted hydrochloric acid (pH<2.5) until PaO2/FiO2 declined to 150 mm Hg or less to established ALI model. Intra-abdominal hypertension was induced by an nitrogen inflator to reach intra-abdominal pressure of 20 mm Hg. Respiratory parameters and hemodynamics were continuously recorded at different PEEP levels(5,10,15,and 20 cm H2O). Every level was maintained for one hour. ResultsPaO2/FiO2 in PEEP5,10,15 and 20 were 90±11,102±10,172±23 and 200±34 mm Hg respectively. PaO2/FiO2 in PEEP15 and 20 were significantly higher than those in PEEP5 and 10 (P<0.05). Chest wall compliance (Ccw) in PEEP5,15 and 20 were 26±3,76±15 and 85±14 mL/cm H2O respectively. Ccw in PEEP15 and 20 were significantly higher than those in PEEP5 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in lung compliance (CL) in different PEEP levels (P>0.05). Plateau pressure(Pplat) in PEEP5,10,15 and 20 were 30±3,31±2,36±2 and 38±4 cm H2O respectively. Pplat in PEEP15 and 20 were significantly higher than those in PEEP5 and 10 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Pplat between PEEP15 and 20 (P>0.05). Heart rate (HR) in PEEP5,15 and 20 were 113±17,147±30,and 160±30 beat/min respectively. HR in PEEP15 and 20 were significantly higher than those in PEEP5 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in HR between PEEP15 and 20 (P>0.05).Cardiac index (CI) in PEEP5 and 20 were 4.5±0.6 and 3.5±0.6 L·min-1·m-2 respectively. CI in PEEP20 was significantly lower than that in PEEP5 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in CI in PEEP5,10 or 15(P>0.05). Central venous pressure(CVP) in PEEP5,15 and 20 were 12±2,17±2,and 18±3 mm Hg respectively. CVP in PEEP15 and 20 were significantly higher than those in PEEP5 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in CVP between PEEP15 and 20 (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in MAP,SVRI,ITBVI,GEDI,PVPI,or EVLWI between different PEEP levels. ConclusionConcomitant ALI and IAH can induce great impairments in respiratory physiology. When PEEP is gradually increased,oxygenation and the respiratory function are improved without significant secondary hemodynamic disturbances.
Objective To investigate whether p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) inhibitor can reduce acute lung injury (ALI) caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by regulating Th17/Treg balance. Methods Balb/c mice were randomly divided into a control group, an ALI group and an intervention group. The mice in the control group were injected with phosphate-buffered saline, the mice in the ALI group were intraperitoneally injected with 40 mg/kg LPS, and the mice in the intervention group were injected with SB203580 (0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally 1 h prior to the intraperitoneal injection of LPS. All mice were killed on 12 h later respectively. Hematoxylin-eosinstin staining was used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissue, and cell classification, counting, and total protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected. Transcript expression of forkhead box p3 (Foxp3) and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor-γt (RORγt) was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-23 and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in lung tissue and IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The Th17 and Treg subset distribution in spleen was determined by flow cytometry. Results Histopathological examination showed that LPS induced inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue, increased cell count and protein levels in BALF (P<0.05), and increased proportion of neutrophils and monocytes in the ALI mice. SB203580 significantly attenuated tissue injury of the lungs in LPS-induced ALI mice. Serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the ALI group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and inflammatory cytokines were decreased after SB203580 intervention. Compared with the ALI group, the production of inflammatory cytokines associate with Th17, including IL-17, IL-23, RORγt was inhibited, and the production of cytokines associate with Treg, such as IL-10 and Foxp3 in lung tissue was increased in the intervention group in a concentration-dependent manner with SB203580. After SB203580 intervention, Th17/Treg ratio was significantly decreased compared with the LPS group (P<0.05). Conclusion p38MAPK inhibitor can reduce LPS-induced ALI by regulating the imbalance of Treg cells and Th17 cells.
Objective To investigate the changes in osteoprotegerin (OPG) / receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) ratio in sepsis-associated acute lung injury (SA-ALI) and the role of regulation of this ratio on the inflammatory response in SA-ALI. Methods Eighteen C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into sham operation group, cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) group and RANKL group, with 6 mice in each group. Before the experiment, the RANKL group was intraperitoneally injected with 5 μg (0.2 mL) of recombinant RANKL antibody, whereas both the sham operation group and the CLP group were intraperitoneally injected with a volume-matched normal saline. One hour later, the sham operation group underwent only abdominal exploration and repositioning, while the other groups underwent the CLP surgery to induce the SA-ALI model. After 24 h of modelling, all mice were sacrificed and samples were collected. Pathological evaluation of lung tissues was performed by haematoxylin-eosin staining; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-1β; while the mRNA and protein expression of OPG and RANKL, along with their ratio values, were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction for quantitative analysis and protein immunoblotting. Results The SA-ALI mouse model was successfully established. Compared with the sham operation group, mice in the CLP group showed disturbed alveolar structure, obvious alveolar and interstitial haemorrhage and inflammatory cell infiltration, elevated serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β (P<0.05), significantly increased mRNA and protein expression of OPG and elevated OPG/RANKL ratio in lung tissue (P<0.05), whereas RANKL mRNA and protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the CLP group, the pathological damage of lung tissue in the RANKL group was reduced, the infiltration of alveolar and interstitial inflammatory cells was significantly improved, and the alveolar structure and morphology were more regular, with lower serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β (P<0.05), significantly lower mRNA and protein expression of OPG and OPG/RANKL ratio in lung tissue (P<0.05), and significantly higher mRNA and protein expression of RANKL in lung tissue (P<0.05). Conclusion The alteration of OPG/RANKL ratio may be related to the pathophysiological process of SA-ALI, and the decrease in its level may reflect the attenuation of the inflammatory response in SA-ALI.
Objective To investigate the serumlevel of endothelin-1 ( ET-1) in patients with acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome ( ALI/ARDS) and its clinical significance. Methods Thirty-one ALI/ARDS patients received mechanical ventilation in ICUand 25 normal subjects were recruited in the study. The patients who died in two weeks fell in death group, and the patients who did not died in two weeks fell in survival group. The serum level of ET-1 measured by EIA method were compared between thepatients with different severity of lung injury [ evaluated by American-European Consensus Conference on ARDS ( AECC) criteria and lung injury score( LIS) ] , and between the patients with different prognosis ( death or survival ) . The correlation was analyzed between the level of ET-1 and clinical parameters.Results The ET-1 level was higher in the ALI/ARDS patients than that in the control subjects [ ( 6. 18 ±4. 48) ng/L vs. ( 2. 68 ±1. 34) ng/L, P lt;0. 05] . There was no significant difference in the patients with different severity [ ALI vs. ARDS, ( 5. 43 ±4. 39) ng/L vs. ( 7. 01 ±4. 51) ng/L, P gt; 0. 05; LIS≤2. 5 vs.LISgt;2. 5, ( 5. 93 ±5. 21) ng/L vs. ( 6. 68 ±2. 76) ng/L, P gt; 0. 05] . The ET-1 level in the death group continued to increase, and higher than that in the survival group on the 5th day [ ( 7. 96 ±3. 30) ng/L vs.( 4. 36 ±3. 29) ng/L, P lt; 0. 05] . The ET-1 level was positively correlated with SIRS, SAPSⅡ and APACHEⅡ ( r = 0. 359, 0. 369 and 0. 426, respectively, P lt; 0. 05 ) , and negatively correlated with PaO2 /FiO2 and AaDO2 ( r = - 0. 286 and - 0. 300, respectively, P lt;0. 05) . Conclusion The measurementof serum ET-1 can help to evaluate the severity and prognosis of ALI/ARDS patients.
ObjectiveTo explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 on rats with acute lung injury (ALI). Methods54 male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group,an ALI group,and a MG-132 group. LPS (5 mg/kg) was injected via tail vein in the ALI group and the MG-132 grouop,while the normal saline was given instead in the control group. MG-132 (10 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally at 30 min before LPS administration in the MG-132 group. Six rats in each group were sacrificed at 2,4,and 8h after normal saline or LPS administration. Then the following parameters were observed including pathology changes of lung tissue,wet to dry weight ratio of lung tissue (W/D),the levels of ICAM-1 and TNF-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) by ELISA,and the protein level of nuclear factor-kappa B P65 (NF-κB P65) in lung tissue by Western blot. ResultsThe pathological observation showed the typical ALI performance,as obvious pulmonary tissue congestion,edema,a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration in the ALI group. These inflammatory performance were obviously alleviated in the MG-132 group. Compared with the control group,the W/D,the levels of ICAM-1 and TNF-α in BALF,and the expression of the protein NF-κB P65 in lung tissue at 2,4 and 6h in the ALI group were significantly increased(P<0.05). Above parameters were significantly decreased in the MG-132 group compared with the ALI group. The expression of the protein NF-κB P65 was significantly positively related with the levels of ICAM-1 and TNF-α in BALF(P<0.01). ConclusionMG-132 can suppress inflammatory response in endotoxin-induced acute lung injury,which may be related to inhibition of NF-κB activation.
Objective To investigate the effects of different levels of intra-abdominal pressure ( IAP) on respiration and hemodynamics in a porcine model of acute lung injury( ALI) .Methods A total of 8 domestic swine received mechanical ventilation. Following baseline observations, oleic acid 0. 1mL/kg in 20mL of normal saline was infused via internal jugular vein. Using a nitrogen gas pneumoperitongum, the IAP increased from0 to 15 and 25mmHg, and the groups were named IAP0 , IAP15 and IAP25 , respectively. During the experimental period, hemodynamic parameters including heart rate ( HR) , cardiac output ( CO) , mean arterial pressure( MAP) , central venous pressure( CVP) , intrathoracic blood volume index( ITBVI) and so on were obtained by using thermodilution technique of pulse induced continuous cardiac output( PiCCO) . The esophageal pressure( Pes) was dynamicly monitored by the esophageal catheter. Results Pes and peak airway pressure( Ppeak) increased and static lung compliance( Cstat) decreased significantly in IAP15 and IAP25 groups compared with IAP0 group( all P lt;0. 01) . Transpulmonary pressure( Ptp) showed a downward trend( P gt;0. 05) . PO2 and oxygenation index showed a downward trend while PCO2 showed a upward trend ( P gt;0. 05) . HR and CVP increased significantly, cardiac index( CI) and ITBV index decreased significantly ( all P lt;0. 05) ,MAP didn′t change significantly( P gt;0. 05) . The changes in Pes were negatively correlated with the changes in CI( r = - 0. 648, P = 0. 01) . Conclusion In the porcine model of ALI, Pes increases because of a rise in IAP which decreased pulmonary compliance and CI.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of human placental mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) transplantation on pulmonary vascular endothelial permeability and lung injury repair in mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI).MethodsThe hPMSCs were isolated from the human placental tissue by enzyme digestion and passaged. The cell phenotype of the 3rd generation hPMSCs was detected by flow cytometry. Twenty-four 6-week-old healthy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=8). The mice were instilled with LPS in the airway to prepare an ALI model in the ALI model group and the hPMSCs treatment group, and with saline in the control group. At 12 hours after LPS infusion, the mice were injected with 3rd generation hPMSCs via the tail vein in hPMSCs treatment group and with saline in the ALI model group and the control group. At 24 hours after injection, the lung tissues of all mice were taken. The pathological changes were observed by HE staining. The wet/dry mass ratio (W/D) of lung tissue was measured. The Evans blue leak test was used to detect the pulmonary vascular endothelial permea bility in mice. The expression of lung tissue permeability-related protein (VE-cadherin) was detected by Western blot.ResultsFlow cytometry examination showed that the isolated cells had typical MSCs phenotypic characteristics. Mice in each group survived. The alveolar structure of the ALI model group significantly collapsed, a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated, and local alveolar hemorrhage occurred; while the alveolar structure collapse of the hPMSCs treatment group significantly improved, inflammatory cells infiltration significantly reduced, and a few red blood cells were in the interstitial lung. W/D and exudation volume of Evans blue stain were significantly higher in the ALI model group than in the control group and the hPMSCs treatment group (P<0.05), in the hPMSCs treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). The relative protein expression of VE-cadherin was significantly lower in the ALI model group than in the control group and the hPMSCs treatment group (P<0.05), and in the hPMSCs treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05).ConclusionIntravenous injection of hPMSCs can effectively reduce the increased pulmonary vascular endothelial permeability mediated by LPS, relieve the degree of lung tissue damage, and play a therapeutic role in ALI mice.
Objective To assess the efficacy of ambroxol on acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome ( ALI/ARDS) . Methods The randomized controlled study involving ambroxol on ALI/ARDS were searched and identified from Cochrane Library, PubMed, China Academic Journals Full-text Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, WanFang Resource Database, and Chinese Journal Fulltext Database. The quality of the chosen randomized controlled studies was evaluated, and then the valid data was extracted for meta-analysis. Results Ten articles were included, all in Chinese, including 459 cases ofpatients ( 233 cases in experimental group,226 cases in control group) , with baseline comparability between the various experiments. Systematic review showed that in ALI/ARDS patients, high-dose ambroxol was in favor to improve PaO2 [ WMD =12. 23, 95% ( 9. 62, 14. 84) , P lt; 0. 0001] and PaO2 /FiO2 [ WMD = 32. 75,95% ( 30. 00, 35. 51) , P lt;0. 0001] , reduce lung injury score [ WMD = - 0. 49, 95% ( - 0. 66, - 0. 33) ,P lt;0. 0001] , decrease the duration of mechanical ventilation [ WMD = - 2. 70, 95% ( - 3. 24, - 1. 12) ,P lt;0. 0001] and the length of ICU stay [ WMD= - 2. 70, 95% ( - 3. 37, - 2. 04) , P lt;0. 0001] , and lower mortality [ OR=0. 46,95%( 0. 22, 1. 00) , P = 0. 05] . Conclusions The existing clinical evidence shows that, compared with conventional therapy, high-dose ambroxol plus can significantly improve PaO2 , PaO2 /FiO2 , lung injury score, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay and mortality in ALI/ARDS patients. Due to the quality of research and the limitations of the study sample, there likely to exist a bias,and may affect the strength of result, so we expect more high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled clinical trial to verify.