Essential oil from Chimonanthus nitens Oliv. Leaves ameliorate inflammation and oxidative stress in LPS-induced ALI through NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways

Initial investigative research indicated that the essential oil from Chimonanthus nitens Oliv. Leaves (CLO) significantly reduces lung tissues inflammation and effectively repairs Acute lung injury (ALI) mice model. However, the mechanism underlying is not clear, and the impacts of CLO on oxidative stress require further investigation. The purpose of the experiment was to validate the influence of CLO in ALI model mice, as well as its potential mechanisms. Lipopolysaccharide-induced establishment of the A549 cell inflammation model, and ALI mice model was established by intrathecal administration of LPS. CLO significantly reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines in A549 cells, lowered MDA and ROS levels, and enhanced SOD activity. Animal experiment results showed that CLO dramatically decreased white blood cell count, the expression of inflammatory cytokines, and the destruction of alveolar structures. CLO enhances the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Western Blot and q-PCR analyses have revealed that the mechanism of CLO is correlation with the NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways in cellular and animal models. Pathway inhibitor experiments indicated that there might be functional crosstalk between these two pathways. CLO may regulate inflammation and oxidative stress in LPS-induced ALI through NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways. This finding could be novel in the pharmacological treatment of ALI.