An essential role for lipopolysaccharide-binding protein in pulmonary innate immune responses

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein (LBP) greatly facilitates LPS activation of monocytic cells through the CD14 receptor, triggering activation of innate immune responses. An acute phase protein, LBP is produced predominantly by the liver; however, we and others have shown that LBP is produced extrahepatically in multiple locations, including the lung. The importance of LBP in the lung has remained unclear. LBP may make the host more acutely sensitive to LPS and development of septic complications; alternatively, it may be protective, aiding in detection, opsonization, and killing of bacteria. Our objective was to determine the role LBP plays in local pulmonary immune defenses to bacterial challenge. LBP knockout mice and age-matched C57BL/6 wild-type controls were challenged with direct intratracheal inoculation of Klebsiella pneumoniae. We observed a significant increase in mortality, earlier onset of bacteremia, and greater pulmonary bacterial loads in LBP knockout mice compared with controls. Total lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, neutrophil recruitment to the alveolar space, and levels of KC--a chemokine involved in neutrophil recruitment--in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung homogenates were found to be significantly diminished in knockout mice compared with controls. Together, our findings suggest that LBP is essential in local pulmonary innate immune responses against bacteria.     

Defective inflammatory response in interleukin 6-deficient mice

Systemic and localized inflammation elicit a number of host responses which include fever, cachexia, hypoglycemia, and major changes in the concentration of liver plasma proteins. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is considered an important mediator of the inflammatory response, together with IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). The purpose of this study was to unequivocally determine the role of IL-6 in these phenomena making use of IL-6-deficient mice that we have recently generated by gene targeting. We report here that in the absence of IL- 6, mice are unable to mount a normal inflammatory response to localized tissue damage generated by turpentine injection. The induction of acute phase proteins is dramatically reduced, mice do not lose body weight and only suffer from mild anorexia and hypoglycemia. In contrast, when systemic inflammation is elicited through the injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), these parameters are altered to the same extent both in wild-type and IL-6-deficient mice, demonstrating that under these conditions IL-6 function is dispensable. Moreover, we show that LPS-treated IL-6-deficient mice produce three times more TNF-alpha than wild-type controls, suggesting that increased TNF-alpha production might be one of the compensatory mechanisms through which a normal response to LPS is achieved in the absence of IL-6. We also show that corticosterone is normally induced in IL-6-deficient mice, demonstrating that IL-6 is not required for the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Our results reinforce the idea that different patterns of cytokines are involved in systemic and localized tissue damage, and identify IL-6 as an essential mediator of the inflammatory response to localized inflammation.     

白细胞介素-10对急性肺损伤炎症/抗炎介质表达的影响

目的探讨白细胞介素-10(IL—10)对急性肺损伤(ALI)大鼠炎症介质／抗炎介质表达的影响。方法向气道内滴注内毒素(LPS，10mg／kg)建立大鼠ALI模型。54只雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组、LPS损伤组、LPS加IL-10组，每组18只，各组又分为2、6和24h3个亚组，每个亚组各6只。按各时间点观察大鼠动脉血氧分压(PaO2)、支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中细胞总数及分类计数、肺系数、BALF总蛋白水平及肺病理，同时用逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT—PCR)方法检测肺组织中炎症介质／抗炎介质的表达。结果①LPS损伤组大鼠PaO2呈进行性降低；肺系数、BALF总蛋白水平及BALF中细胞总数均明显增加，分类以中性粒细胞为主；肺病理示肺内中性粒细胞大量浸润，伴出血、透明膜形成。LPS加IL-10组的各项指标均较LPS损伤组减轻。②LPS损伤组肺组织肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF—α)mRNA表达于2h达高峰，随后迅速下降；白细胞介素-1β(IL—1β)mRNA表达于2h显著升高，6h达高峰，随后迅速下降；IL-1受体拮抗剂(IL—1ra)mRNA表达6h开始升高，且为峰值。24h仍高于对照组。LPS加IL-10组肺组织TNF—αmRNA、IL-1βmRNA表达受抑，而IL—1ra mRNA表达不受影响。结论①ALI早期TNF—αmRNA、IL-1βmRNA表达明显增加，而IL—1ra mRNA表达滞后，提示在无外来干预情况下，ALI早期存在炎症介质／抗炎介质的失衡。②IL-10可明显抑制炎症介质表达，不影响抗炎介质表达，有利于重建炎症介质／抗炎介质平衡，减轻LPS所致ALI。     

Comparison of the effects of aging and IL-6 on the hepatic inflammatory response in two models of systemic injury: scald injury versus i.p. LPS administration

Regardless of age, a marked elevation in circulating IL-6 levels correlates with increased mortality after injury or an inflammatory challenge. We previously reported that aged IL-6 knockout mice given LPS have improved survival and reduced inflammatory response than LPS-treated aged wild type (WT) mice. Herein, we analyzed the effects of aging and IL-6 on the hepatic inflammatory response in two models of systemic injury: dorsal scald (burn) injury versus intraperitoneal LPS administration. At 24 h after burn injury, circulating alanine aminotransferase and hepatic neutrophil accumulation were comparable regardless of age or IL-6 deficiency. However, at this same time point, these indicators of liver damage, in addition to hepatic levels of KC, a neutrophil chemoattractant, were increased in aged WT mice given LPS relative to young WT mice given LPS. The hepatic injury was drastically reduced in aged IL-6 knockout mice given LPS as compared with LPS-exposed aged WT mice. Our results suggest that the nature of the insult will determine the degree of remote injury in aged animals. In addition, the role of IL-6 as a contributing factor of tissue injury may be insult specific.     

Effects of partial liquid ventilation on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in rats

To determine whether partial liquid ventilation (PLV) modified lung inflammatory response, we analyzed blood cytokine levels and cytokine mRNA expression in the lungs, using a rat model of endotoxemia. Thirty-six rats were allocated into one of four groups. The first group received conventional gas ventilation (CV group), the second group received 10 ml/kg perflubron intratracheally in combination with mechanical gas ventilation (PLV group), the third group received 20 mg/kg Escherichia coli lipopolyssacharide (LPS) intravenously in combination with mechanical gas ventilation (LPS group), and the fourth group received PLV and LPS (PLV + LPS group). Blood levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, INF-gamma and IL-1 receptor antagonist were significantly increased in LPS and PLV + LPS groups. mRNA expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the lung tissue was also significantly increased in these groups. mRNA expression of IL-6 in PLV + LPS group was significantly increased in comparison with LPS group. Other cytokine mRNA expression including IL-10 and IL-1beta was also potentiated in PLV + LPS group, however this was not significant. Our results suggest that PLV does not protect the lungs against inflammation in systemic endotoxemia in rats.     

Endogenous interleukin-12 improves the early antimicrobial host response to murine Escherichia coli peritonitis

Interleukin (IL)-12 is a heterodimeric proinflammatory cytokine formed by a p35 and a p40 subunit. To determine the role of IL-12 in abdominal sepsis, p35 gene-deficient (IL-12 knockout, KO) mice and normal wild-type (WT) mice were injected intraperitoneally with Escherichia coli. Peritonitis was associated with a bacterial dose-dependent increase in IL-12 p40 and IL-12 p75 concentrations in peritoneal fluid and plasma. Whereas at 6 h postinfection, IL-12 KO and WT mice displayed similar bacterial counts, at 20 hours IL-12 KO mice had significantly more bacteria in liver homogenates and were more susceptible to progressing to systemic infection. In addition, IL-12 KO mice demonstrated higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines in peritoneal fluid and increased lung and liver injury. IL-12 deficiency did not influence the recruitment of cells to the site of the infection. These data suggest that endogenous IL-12 is involved in the early antibacterial host response during abdominal sepsis.     

Regulation of murine type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor gene expression in vivo. Tissue specificity and induction by lipopolysaccharide, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and transforming growth factor-beta.

The regulation of type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) gene expression was studied in vivo employing a murine model system. Nuclease protection analysis revealed relatively high concentrations of PAI-1 mRNA in the aorta, adipose tissue, heart, and lungs of untreated CB6 (BalbC X C57B16) mice. Treatment of CB6 mice with LPS, TNF-alpha, or transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) increased the steady-state levels of PAI-1 mRNA within 3 h in all tissues examined. However, the greatest responses to TGF-beta were observed in adipose tissue and the kidney, while LPS and TNF-alpha strongly stimulated PAI-1 gene expression in the liver, kidney, lung, and adrenals. In C3H/HeJ mice, which exhibit defective TNF-alpha release in response to LPS, the response of the PAI-1 gene to LPS was severely attenuated. However, injection of these mice with TNF-alpha increased PAI-1 mRNA in a tissue-specific pattern strikingly similar to that observed in LPS-treated CB6 mice. These results demonstrate that the PAI-1 gene is regulated in a complex and tissue-specific manner in vivo, and suggest a role for TNF-alpha in the response of the PAI-1 gene to sepsis.     

IL-13在急性肺损伤小鼠肺内的表达及其意义研究

[目的]观察急性肺损伤(ALI)小鼠肺内白介素-13(IL-13)表达及其在肺损伤炎症反应中的作用.[方法]采用气管注射脂多糖(LPS)复制ALI小鼠ALI动物模型,采用real-time PCR和ELISA法分别检测小鼠肺内IL-13 mRNA和支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)以及血清中IL-13含量.采用IL-13中和抗体预处理小鼠后,观察其对LPS诱导的小鼠ALI的炎症反应的影响,运用ELISA法检测小鼠BALF和血清中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和IL-1β的含量,HE染色观察肺组织形态学改变.[结果]与对照组相比,气管注射LPS诱导的ALI小鼠肺组织中IL-13 mRNA以及BALF和血清IL-13蛋白含量显著增加.与ALI组相比,IL-13中和抗体预处理组小鼠肺内TNF-α和IL-1β含量进一步增高,肺组织形态学损伤加重.[结论]ALI时小鼠肺内IL-13含量应激性增加,抑制IL13的受体活性,加重LPS诱导的小鼠ALI,提示IL-13是ALI内源性保护因子.     

Skin lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and IL-1beta production after thermal injury

In response to a burn injury, skin can have an inflammatory response characterized by the production of inflammatory cytokines, recruitment of immune cells, containment of invading organisms, and clearance of noxious substances from the wound. Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) is a molecule that is capable of coordinating all 4 functions; we previously found evidence that suggested that LBP is produced within surgical wounds. Because of the central role of LBP in the response to bacterial infection, as well as in the high rate of infection after burn injuries, we sought to determine whether a thermal injury could affect wound LBP production and thereby affect host responses against bacterial infection. Rats were given either a burn or a sham burn and were killed 24, 48, and 72 hours after the injuries. Wound specimens were assayed for bacterial counts and for the presence of LBP, messenger (m)RNA, and interleukin (IL)-1beta mRNA. Wound LBP mRNA was significantly upregulated at 24 hours in the group with burn injuries (P < .05; burn vs sham burn); this was followed by decreases at 48 and 72 hours. Immunohistochemistry showed LBP protein in the epidermis of animals with burns. Bacterial counts increased in the group with burn injuries (P < .05; burn vs sham burn) and continued to rise for 72 hours. IL-1beta mRNA levels were elevated at all time points in the group with burn injuries (P < .05). These results suggest an inverse correlation between burn wound LBP expression and bacterial wound counts. This failure to maintain local LBP production after severe thermal injury despite localized inflammation shown by high IL-1beta levels may predispose local wounds to bacterial invasion.     

Murine CD14 gene expression in vivo: extramyeloid synthesis and regulation by lipopolysaccharide

A murine model system was used to study the distribution and regulation of CD14 gene expression in vivo. Western blot analysis failed to detect CD14 in plasma from untreated CB6 (BALB/c x C57Bl6) mice, but showed markedly increased levels of CD14 in plasma from mice treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Plasma levels of CD14 increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner, reaching a maximum between 8 and 16 h. Northern blot analysis of total RNA extracted from mouse tissues revealed low, but significant, levels of CD14 mRNA in many tissues of untreated animals with the highest levels in uterus, adipose tissue, and lung. After intraperitoneal injection of LPS, induction of CD14 gene expression was detected in all organs examined with the extent of induction varying between organs. Induction of CD14 mRNA was both time and dose dependent. Maximum induction in the heart and lung was observed 2-4 h after injection of LPS, while liver and kidney showed maximal induction between 8 and 16 h. In situ hybridization showed that CD14 mRNA was expressed in myeloid cells in many tissues, and that expression in these cells was upregulated by LPS. Unexpectedly, CD14 mRNA was also detected in other cells within tissues, including epithelial cells, and expression in these cell types also was upregulated by LPS. Immunochemical analysis revealed that CD14 antigen colocalized to the cytoplasm of cells expressing CD14 mRNA. These studies demonstrate that CD14 gene expression is not restricted to myeloid cells, and that the level of expression of CD14 is influenced by exposure to LPS.     

Compartmentalization of macrophage inflammatory protein-2, but not cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant, in rats challenged with intratracheal endotoxin

An important feature of the pulmonary inflammatory response is that the production of certain cytokines and chemokines is largely confined to the lung. This study investigated the local and systemic responses of macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) in rats administered with either intratracheal or intravenous lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Intratracheal LPS induced a significant increase in MIP-2 in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid with no detectable MIP-2 in the plasma. In contrast, CINC was significantly increased in both BAL fluid and the plasma after intratracheal LPS challenge. Cell-associated MIP-2 was increased in the pulmonary-recruited neutrophils (PMNs) but not in the circulating PMNs in rats given intratracheal LPS. Cell-associated CINC was increased in both the recruited and circulating PMNs in these animals. Intravenous LPS caused a marked increase in plasma MIP-2 and CINC, whereas only a small elevation of both MIP-2 and CINC concentrations in BAL fluid was observed. The lack of CINC compartmentalization compared to MIP-2 implies that these C-X-C chemokines are regulated differentially and may have different effects upon polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) recruitment into the alveolar space in response to intrapulmonary LPS or bacterial challenge.     

The immunologic outcome of enhanced function of mouse liver lymphocytes and Kupffer cells by high-fat and high-cholesterol diet

Dietary lipids/cholesterol may modulate liver immune function. We have recently found that mouse F4/80 Kupffer cells are classified into phagocytic CD68 Kupffer cells and cytokine-producing CD11b Kupffer cells. We here investigate how a high-fat and/or high-cholesterol diet affects innate immune liver mononuclear cells. For 4 weeks, C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (HFCD), a high-cholesterol diet (HCD), a high-fat diet (HFD), or a control diet (CD). High-fat and high-cholesterol diet and HCD increased liver cholesterol levels; serum cholesterol levels increased in HFCD and HFD mice but not in HCD mice. The increased proportion of natural killer (NK) cells, downregulated NK1.1 expression of natural killer T cells, and enhanced CD69 and IL-12 receptor β mRNA expression of liver lymphocytes indicate the activation of them by HFCD. IL-12 production from Kupffer cells and interferon γ production from NK/natural killer T cells activated by LPS and/or IL-12 both increased. IL-12 pretreatment more effectively improved the survival of HFCD mice relative to the survival of CD mice upon injections of liver metastatic EL-4 cells. In contrast, HFCD mouse survival decreased after LPS injection and generalized Shwartzman reaction. Consistently in HFCD mice, Toll-like receptor 4 mRNA expression of whole Kupffer cells was upregulated, and CD11b Kupffer cells proportionally increased. Although the proportion of CD68 Kupffer cells decreased in HFCD mice, phagocytic activity of them was enhanced. Mice fed with HCD rather than those fed with HFD showed features closer to HFCD mice. Thus, enhanced function of mouse liver mononuclear cells is likely dependent on the liver cholesterol level, rather than the liver triglyceride level.     

Neutrophil NAD(P)H oxidase is required for hemorrhagic shock-enhanced TLR2 up-regulation in alveolar macrophages in response to LPS

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) play an important role in the development of posttrauma lung inflammation through initiating polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) migration by direct interactions with PMN, which is in turn mediated by the expression of chemokines and cytokines. We have recently reported that hemorrhagic shock-activated PMN sensitize AM to bacteria LPS for the up-regulation of Toll-like receptor (TLR)2; in turn, this TLR2 up-regulation results in the amplification of expression of cytokines and chemokines in the AM in response to the bacterial products LPS and peptidoglycan, associated with enhanced PMN sequestration in the lung. We sought to address the mechanism underlying the augmentation of TLR2 in AM by shock-activated PMN. We found that hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation (shock) followed by a low dose of i.t. LPS markedly increased TLR2 mRNA expression in AM in wild-type (WT) mice. In contrast, in mice lacking the gp91 subunit of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (reduced form) oxidase (gp91) or in neutropenic WT mice, the increase in TLR2 mRNA was attenuated. Coculture of AM with PMN derived from WT-shocked mice caused a significantly higher level of TLR2 expression in the AM in response to LPS. However, this increase in TLR2 expression was less evident when the AMs were cocultured with PMN derived from gp91 mice subjected to shock. The antioxidant polyethylene glycol catalase markedly decreased MyD88-dependent activation of IL-1 receptor associated kinase 4 and TLR2 expression in the AM in response to LPS. Thus, PMN nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (reduced form) oxidase sensitizes hemorrhagic shock-primed AM to LPS, at least in part via enhancing IL-1 receptor associated kinase 4 activity.     

八肽胆囊收缩素对脂多糖攻击小鼠抗炎症细胞因子表达的影响

目的观察脂多糖（LPS）攻击小鼠白细胞介素-4（IL-4）、IL-10的动态变化规律，以及八肽胆囊收缩素（CCK-8）对其表达的影响。方法随机将小鼠分组，每组7只。腹腔注射LPS10mg／kg，于攻击后0、2、4、6和12h检测血清、肺组织IL-4和IL-6表达高峰的时间。对照组腹腔注射生理盐水0．2ml；LPS组腹腔注射LPS10mg／kg；LPS＋CCK-8组在注射LPS前30min腹腔注射CCK-8 60μg／kg；CCK-8组腹腔注射CCK-8 60μg／kg。用酶联免疫吸附法（ELISA）及逆转录-聚合酶链反应（PT—PCR）方法检测各组小鼠血清和肺组织中IL-4、IL-10的含量及其mRNA的表达情况。结果LPS攻击后2h血清及肺组织IL-4、IL-6均显著升高，血清IL-4、IL-6于4h和6h达高峰；肺组织IL-4、IL-6则均于6h达高峰。说明LPS攻击可使小鼠血清及肺组织中IL-4、IL-10的蛋白及mRNA表达均增加；预先注入CCK-8可使IL-4和IL-10的蛋白以及mRNA表达均进一步增加（P均〈O．01）；而单独注射CCK-8对血清、肺组织IL-4、IL-10的表达无明显影响。结论CCK-8可能通过进一步增加LPS攻击小鼠IL-4、IL-10的表达参与抗炎反应过程，从而减轻LPS引起的肺组织炎症反应。     

Glucan phosphate potentiates endotoxin-induced interferon-gamma expression in immunocompetent mice, but attenuates induction of endotoxin tolerance.

Glucan phosphate has been shown to enhance antimicrobial immunity in a variety of experimental models. However, the mechanisms by which glucans enhance resistance to infection remain largely unknown. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is a key regulator of both innate and acquired immunity. Suppression of IFN-gamma production is a prominent feature of the altered immune response that follows major trauma or sepsis. The present studies were designed to determine the effect of glucan phosphate on IFN-gamma expression in normal mice and endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)]-tolerant mice. The model of LPS tolerance was used because it results in patterns of cytokine expression similar to those commonly observed following severe trauma or sepsis. Glucan treatment potentiated LPS-induced IFN-gamma expression in control mice. The induction of LPS tolerance resulted in marked suppression of LPS-induced IFN-gamma production. However, co-administration of glucan with LPS, during the tolerance induction phase, attenuated the LPS-tolerant response. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-18 are important mediators of LPS-induced IFN-gamma production. LPS-induced IL-12 p40 mRNA expression was increased in the spleens of glucan-treated mice compared with controls. Induction of LPS tolerance caused marked suppression of IL-12 production, a response that was attenuated by glucan treatment. IL-18 was constitutively expressed in both control and LPS-tolerant mice, and LPS-induced serum levels of IL-18 were increased in mice treated with glucan. T cells isolated from glucan-treated mice exhibited increased IFN-gamma expression in response to IL-12 and IL-18, as well as increased expression of the IL-12 and IL-18 receptors. The ability of glucan to potentiate IFN-gamma expression in control mice provides a potential mechanism by which glucan enhances antimicrobial immunity. The ability of glucan to attenuate suppressed IFN-gamma expression in LPS-tolerant mice denotes its potential benefit for the treatment of trauma and sepsis-induced immunosuppression.     

氨溴索对急性肺损伤的保护作用

目的 通过建立急性肺损伤大鼠模型和体外肺泡巨噬细胞培养体系,观察急性肺损伤中,肺泡巨噬细胞在氨溴索干预前后细胞因子表达的情况,探讨氨溴索可能的肺损伤保护机制.方法 一、体内实验:大鼠24只,随机分成3组,每组8只:(1)正常对照组;(2)急性肺损伤组:采用腹腔注射酵母悬液方法复制大鼠急性肺损伤模型;(3)氨溴索治疗组:建立ALI大鼠模型后用氨溴索干预.观察指标主要有:肺部病理学改变、测量大鼠肺系数、血氧分压,肺泡巨噬细胞TNF-α、IL-10、IL-24 mRNA的表达则采用通过逆转录-聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)技术检测.二、体外实验:收集肺泡巨噬细胞后分3组:(1)正常对照组:肺泡巨噬细胞中加无菌生理盐水;(2)LPS组:予LPS 10 mg/L刺激肺泡巨噬细胞;(3)LPS+氨溴索组:予LPS10 mg/L和氨溴索180 μmol/L刺激肺泡巨噬细胞.分别于刺激前(0 h),刺激后(6、12、24 h)留取细胞.通过RT-PCR技术检测肺泡巨噬细胞TNF-α、IL-10、IL-24 mRNA的表达变化.结果 氨溴索治疗组在病理改变,肺系数,动脉血氧分压等各项指标均优于急性肺损伤组,氨溴索干预治疗组,TNF-α、IL-10、IL-24 mRNA表达水平均明显下降,与急性肺损伤组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),但仍高于正常对照组.体外实验也得出了相同的结论.结论 氨溴索可抑制急性肺损伤或LPS刺激的肺泡巨噬细胞TNF=α、IL-10、IL-24细胞因子mRNA的表达水平.     

Protective effects of aerobic exercise on acute lung injury induced by LPS in mice

Introduction

The regular practice of physical exercise has been associated with beneficial effects on various pulmonary conditions. We investigated the mechanisms involved in the protective effect of exercise in a model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI).

Methods

Mice were divided into four groups: Control (CTR), Exercise (Exe), LPS, and Exercise + LPS (Exe + LPS). Exercised mice were trained using low intensity daily exercise for five weeks. LPS and Exe + LPS mice received 200 µg of LPS intratracheally 48 hours after the last physical test. We measured exhaled nitric oxide (eNO); respiratory mechanics; neutrophil density in lung tissue; protein leakage; bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell counts; cytokine levels in BALF, plasma and lung tissue; antioxidant activity in lung tissue; and tissue expression of glucocorticoid receptors (Gre).

Results

LPS instillation resulted in increased eNO, neutrophils in BALF and tissue, pulmonary resistance and elastance, protein leakage, TNF-alpha in lung tissue, plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-10, and IL-1beta, IL-6 and KC levels in BALF compared to CTR (P ≤0.02). Aerobic exercise resulted in decreases in eNO levels, neutrophil density and TNF-alpha expression in lung tissue, pulmonary resistance and elastance, and increased the levels of IL-6, IL-10, superoxide dismutase (SOD-2) and Gre in lung tissue and IL-1beta in BALF compared to the LPS group (P ≤0.04).

Conclusions

Aerobic exercise plays important roles in protecting the lungs from the inflammatory effects of LPS-induced ALI. The effects of exercise are mainly mediated by the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidants, suggesting that exercise can modulate the inflammatory-anti-inflammatory and the oxidative-antioxidative balance in the early phase of ALI.