Dendranthema oreastrum (Hance) Y.Ling Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Airway Inflammation in a Murine Model of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury

We examined the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the methanolic extract of Dendranthema oreastrum (Hance) Y.Ling, commonly known as “Gu-Jeol-Cho” in Korea and widely found across East Asia, using an LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mouse model and TNF-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cells. LPS was intratracheally administered at 20 μg/50 μL/mouse for 3 days. From test day 1 to 5, experimental mice were administered DO (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) or dexamethasone (3 mg/kg/day). DO treatment decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and TNF-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cells. Additionally, DO treatment decreased alveolar wall thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissues. DO down-regulated TXNIP expression, inhibiting NF-κB activation. Furthermore, DO administration reduced NLRP3 inflammasome activity by preventing the activation of caspase-1 and IL-1β. Additionally, DO promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2-related factors, leading to an upregulation of antioxidant enzymes. The study demonstrated that DO administration markedly decreased reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. These observations indicate that DO is a therapeutic agent for ALI.