Apigenin Reduces NF-κB and Subsequent Cytokine Production as Protective Effect in a Rodent Animal Model of Lung Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

ABSTRACTPurpose: Lung ischemia–reperfusion injury (LIRI) can complicate lung transplantation or cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, increasing morbidity and mortality. In LIRI, pro-inflammatory cytokines are activated, reactive oxygen species are generated and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is up-regulated, altering lung mechanics. We tested the effect of the flavonoid apigenin on a rodent model of LIRI. Methods: Thirty-seven Wistar rats were subjected to LIRI with or without a single or double dose of apigenin. Induction of LIRI involved sternotomy and clamping of either the left lung hilum or the pulmonary artery alone for 30 min, followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Control groups consisted of LIRI plus NaCl, a sham group and a baseline group. At the end of the experiments, both lungs were analyzed by RT-PCR, Western blot, and light microscopy. Results: In placebos, the expression levels of pro-inflammatory markers were increased in both lungs significantly, whereas NF-κB was markedly up-regulated. A...