Natural Compound Reduces Lung Injury by Modulating Key Cellular Pathways

Jim Crocker
13th June, 2024

Natural Compound Reduces Lung Injury by Modulating Key Cellular Pathways

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Hebei Agricultural University found that glycyrrhizin (GLY) significantly protected against lung injury caused by BoAHV-1 in guinea pigs
  • GLY treatment reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased the BoAHV-1 viral load in the lungs
  • GLY enhanced lung antioxidant capacity and inhibited pathways involved in inflammation and oxidative stress
Bovine alpha herpesvirus 1 (BoAHV-1) is a significant pathogen that causes respiratory disease in cattle, leading to severe lung damage and substantial economic losses in the cattle industry. This virus induces strong inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis, complicating the management of infected cattle herds. A recent study conducted by Hebei Agricultural University investigated the potential of glycyrrhizin (GLY), a compound derived from liquorice, in mitigating lung injury induced by BoAHV-1 in guinea pigs[1]. GLY is known for its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The study aimed to explore whether GLY could reduce viral load and suppress the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in BoAHV-1-infected guinea pigs. The results revealed that GLY significantly protected against lung injury caused by BoAHV-1. Specifically, GLY treatment led to a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-8 in guinea pig tissues. These cytokines are critical mediators of inflammation, and their suppression indicates a reduced inflammatory response. Additionally, GLY inhibited the expression of Caspase-1, a protein involved in the inflammatory process, and decreased the BoAHV-1 viral load in the lungs. The number of TUNEL-positive lung cells, which mark cell apoptosis, was also reduced, and the expression of Caspase 3, a key protein in the apoptosis pathway, was inhibited. The study further showed that GLY enhanced lung antioxidant capacity. This was evidenced by increased activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), along with a reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a marker of oxidative stress. Histological observations of lung tissues confirmed the protective effect of GLY against BoAHV-1-induced damage. Mechanistically, GLY was found to inhibit the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway and activate the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway during BoAHV-1 infection. The NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway is known to mediate inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, while the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway is involved in antioxidant defense. By modulating these pathways, GLY effectively reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the lungs of infected guinea pigs. These findings align with previous research on the NF-κB pathway's role in inflammatory and immune responses. For instance, Pseudorabies Virus (PRV), another alpha herpesvirus, can manipulate the NF-κB pathway to downregulate inflammatory cytokines through mechanisms involving the ubiquitination degradation of p65[2]. Similarly, studies on the modified JiuWei QiangHuo decoction have shown its potential in treating influenza-induced pneumonia by regulating the NF-κB pathway, highlighting the importance of this pathway in viral infections[3]. Moreover, the study's focus on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense is supported by research on hydrolyzed camel whey protein (CWP), which has demonstrated protective effects against heat stress-induced liver damage by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 axis[4]. This further underscores the relevance of these pathways in managing oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, research on bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) in cows has shown that viral infections can alter oxidative balance, leading to increased oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant defense[5]. This highlights the need for therapeutic strategies that can restore oxidative balance, as demonstrated by the protective effects of GLY in the current study. In conclusion, the study by Hebei Agricultural University provides compelling evidence that GLY can effectively mitigate lung injury induced by BoAHV-1 by modulating key inflammatory and antioxidant pathways. This research not only advances our understanding of BoAHV-1 pathogenesis but also offers a promising therapeutic approach for combating respiratory diseases in cattle.

MedicineBiochemAnimal Science

References

Main Study

1) Glycyrrhizin alleviates BoAHV-1-induced lung injury in guinea pigs by inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling pathway and activating the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling pathway.

Published 12th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-024-10436-7

Related Studies

2) Suppression of NF-κB signaling by Pseudorabies virus DNA polymerase processivity factor UL42 via recruiting SOCS1 to promote the ubiquitination degradation of p65.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109896

3) The Modified JiuWei QiangHuo Decoction Alleviated Severe Lung Injury Induced by H1N1 Influenza Virus by Regulating the NF- κ B Pathway in Mice.

https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/790739

4) Hydrolyzed camel whey protein alleviated heat stress-induced hepatocyte damage by activated Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and inhibited NF-κB/NLRP3 axis.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12192-020-01184-z

5) Evaluation of total oxidative stress and total antioxidant status in cows with natural bovine herpesvirus-1 infection.

https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2012-5516


Related Articles

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙