Hexarelin modulates lung mechanics, inflammation, and fibrosis in acute lung injury

Introduction: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an acute form of diffuse lung injury characterized by (i) an intense inflammatory response, (ii) increased pulmonary vascular permeability, and (iii) the loss of respiratory pulmonary tissue. In this article we explore the therapeutic poten...

Descripción completa

Guardado en:
Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Vanessa Zambelli, Laura Rizzi, Paolo Delvecchio, Elena Bresciani, Emanuele Rezoagli, Laura Molteni, Ramona Meanti, Maria Serena Cuttin, Giorgio Bovo, Silvia Coco, Robert J. Omeljaniuk, Vittorio Locatelli, Giacomo Bellani, Antonio Torsello
Formato: article
Lenguaje:EN
Publicado: AboutScience Srl 2021
Materias:
GHS
Acceso en línea:https://doaj.org/article/f5754c4dc3724904a0ebe58d6f7c1008
Etiquetas: Agregar Etiqueta
Sin Etiquetas, Sea el primero en etiquetar este registro!
Descripción
Sumario:Introduction: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an acute form of diffuse lung injury characterized by (i) an intense inflammatory response, (ii) increased pulmonary vascular permeability, and (iii) the loss of respiratory pulmonary tissue. In this article we explore the therapeutic potential of hexarelin, a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue (GHS), in an experimental model of ARDS. Hexarelin has anti-inflammatory properties and demonstrates cardiovascular-protective activities including the inhibition of cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis, both of which may involve the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) system. Methods: In our experimental model, ARDS was induced by the instillation of 100 mM HCl into the right bronchus; these mice were treated with hexarelin (320 μg/kg, ip) before (Pre) or after (Post) HCl challenge, or with vehicle. Respiratory system compliance, blood gas analysis, and differential cell counts in a selective bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were determined 6 or 24 hours after HCl instillation. In an extended study, mice were observed for a subsequent 14 days in order to assess lung fibrosis. Results: Hexarelin induced a significant improvement in lung compliance and a reduction of the number of total immune cells in BAL 24 hours after HCl instillation, accompanied with a lower recruitment of neutrophils compared with the vehicle group. At day 14, hexarelin-treated mice presented with less pulmonary collagen deposition compared with vehicle-treated controls. Conclusions: Our data suggest that hexarelin can inhibit the early phase of the inflammatory response in a murine model of HCl-induced ARDS, thereby blunting lung remodeling processes and fibrotic development.