Role of transcriptional factor Nrf2 in the acute lung injury of mice

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the expression and role of Nrf2 in the acute lung injury (ALI) of mice. Methods: A total of 60 BABL/c mice were randomly divided into 2 groups: ALI group and control group. In ALI group, ALI was introduced by injection of LPS. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect Nrf2 expression in the lung; Western blot assay was employed to detect the expression of Nrf2 in the lung homogenate; ELISA was conducted to detect the expression of Nrf2 in the lung homogenate and BALF. Results: As compared to control group, ALI mice had a high Nrf2 expression in the lung as shown in immunohistochemistry, and the Nrf2 expression in the lung homogenate and BALF also increased markedly (P<0.05). Conclusion: The Nrf2 expression increases in the lung and BALF of ALI mice, suggesting that Nrf2 is involved in the inflammation during ALI and may serve as a new target in the therapy of ALI.