The melatonin agonist ramelteon attenuates bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by suppressing the NLRP3/TGF-Β1/HMGB1 signaling pathway.
Adv Med Sci 2023;
68:322-331. [PMID:
37716182 DOI:
10.1016/j.advms.2023.09.004]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE
The possible effects of ramelteon, a melatonin receptor agonist on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis were analyzed via transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), the high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and Nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) which are related to the fibrosis process.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Bleomycin (0.1 mL of 5 mg/kg) was administered by intratracheal instillation to induce pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Starting 24 h after bleomycin administration, a single dose of ramelteon was administered by oral gavage to the healthy groups, i.e. PF + RM2 (pulmonary fibrosis model with bleomycin + ramelteon at 2 mg/kg) and PF + RM4 (pulmonary fibrosis model with bleomycin + ramelteon at 4 mg/kg) at 2 and 4 mg/kg doses, respectively. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) analyses, histopathological, and immunohistochemical staining were performed on lung tissues. Lung tomography images of the rats were also examined.
RESULTS
The levels of TGF-β1, HMGB1, NLRP3, and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) mRNA expressions increased as a result of PF and subsequently decreased with both ramelteon doses (p < 0.0001). Both doses of ramelteon partially ameliorated the reduction in the peribronchovascular thickening, ground-glass appearances, and reticulations, and the loss of lung volume.
CONCLUSIONS
The severity of fibrosis decreased with ramelteon application. These effects of ramelteon may be associated with NLRP3 inflammation cascade.
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