Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract alleviates arsenic-induced lung damage through NF-κB signaling

Proanthocyanidin has beneficial features such as free radical scavenging, anti-inflammation, and anti-oxidation. There is no study on whether proanthocyanidin could protect against arsenic-induced respiratory inflammatory damage. The aim of the study is to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of proanthocyanidin and the molecular mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. BEAS-2B cells were treated with As2O3, grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), and/or BAY 11–7082. Kunming mice were treated with As2O3 and/or GSPE. p-IκB-α, IκB-α, IKKα/β, NF-κBp65, and NF-κBp50 were assessed by Western blot and qRT-PCR. Lung histology was examined. Arsenic affected the histology of the mouse lungs, but GSPE attenuated those effects. As2O3 increased cell apoptosis, which was reversed by GSPE. In cells and mouse lung tissue, arsenic increased the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein, and these effects were attenuated by GSPE. In cells and mouse lung tissue, arsenic enhanced the mRNA and p...