Thymoquinone treatment modulates the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and abrogates the inflammatory response in an animal model of lung fibrosis.

Thymoquinone treatment modulates the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and abrogates the inflammatory response in an animal model of lung fibrosis. Exp Lung Res. 2020 Feb 13;:1-11 Authors: Ahmad A, Alkharfy KM, Jan BL, Ahad A, Ansari MA, Al-Jenoobi FI, Raish M Abstract The present study investigates the therapeutic potential of thymoquinone (TQ) in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis (BMILF) and elucidates the target-signaling pathway for its effect. Lung fibrosis was induced in rats by a single intra-tracheal instillation of bleomycin (BM) (6.5 U/kg) followed by thymoquinone treatment (10 and 20 mg/kg p.o.) for 28 days. Control rats received saline instead of TQ. Changes in body weight, inflammatory cells count, cytokines levels, and biochemical parameters of the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were recorded. In addition, a histopathology examination and western blotting were performed on lung tissues. BM administration resulted in a significant weight loss, which was ameliorated by TQ treatment. BMILF was associated with a reduction in the antioxidant mechanisms and increased lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, MMP-7 expression, apoptotic markers (caspase 3, Bax, and Bcl-2), and fibrotic changes including TGF-β and hydroxyproline levels in lung tissues were evident. These abnormalities were diminished with TQ treatment. Likewise, altered total and differential cell count in BALF was signifi...
Source: Experimental Lung Research - Category: Respiratory Medicine Tags: Exp Lung Res Source Type: research