Antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin LL-37 preserves intestinal barrier and organ function in rats with heat stroke

Biomed Pharmacother. 2023 Mar 21;161:114565. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114565. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTGlobal warming increases the incidence of heat stroke (HS) and HS causes the reduction of visceral blood flow during hyperthermia, leading to intestinal barrier disruption, microbial translocation, systemic inflammation and multiple organ failure. Cathelicidin LL-37 exhibits antimicrobial activities, helps innate immunity within the gut to maintain intestinal homeostasis, and augments intestinal wound healing and barrier function. Thus, we evaluated the effects and possible mechanisms of cathelicidin LL-37 on HS. Wistar rats were placed in a heating-chamber of 42 ̊C to induce HS. Changes in rectal temperature, hemodynamic parameters, and survival rate were measured during the experimental period. Blood samples and ilea were collected to analyze the effects of LL-37 on systemic inflammation, multiple organ dysfunction, and intestinal injury. Furthermore, LS174T and HT-29 cells were used to assess the underlying mechanisms. Our data showed cathelicidin LL-37 ameliorated the damage of intestinal cells induced by HS. Intestinal injury, systemic inflammation, and nitrosative stress (high nitric oxide level) caused by continuous hyperthermia were attenuated in HS rats treated with cathelicidin LL-37, and hence, improved multiple organ dysfunction, coagulopathy, and survival rate. These beneficial effects of cathelicidin LL-37 were attributed to the protection of intestinal...
Source: Biomedicine and pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine and pharmacotherapie - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Source Type: research