Toosendanin Attenuates Mycoplasma pneumonia Induced Pneumonia (MPP) in Mice via Inhibiting NF-κB-Mediated Inflammatory Response: In vivo and silico Studies.

Abstract

Background: In the present study, the therapeutic effects of Toosendanin (TSN) against Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP)-induced pneumonia (MPP) in mice.

Research design: Swiss albino mice were exposed to MP culture for 2 days, causing pneumonia, and then treated with TSN for 3 days. Lung weights, total protein, IgM, C-reactive protein, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines were assessed. Histological alterations were evaluated in lung tissues. Molecular docking analysis was performed to test TSN's interaction with inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were evaluated targets.

Results: TSN treatment significantly reduced lung weight by approximately 25% compared to the MP-infected group (P < 0.05). Total protein and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels decreased by 30% and 40%, respectively. Malondialdehyde (MDA), was reduced by 35%, while antioxidant enzyme levels (e.g., SOD, CAT) increased by 20%-25%. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly lowered by 40%-50%. Histological analysis revealed a marked reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration and alveolar damage scores (P < 0.01). Molecular docking confirmed strong binding interactions between IL-1β, IL-6, TGF-β1, NF-κB and TSN.

Conclusions: The present findings confirm the beneficial effects of TSN in protecting mice from pneumonia.