Investigation of the protective effects of ethanolic extract of ferula orientalis on lung tissue in sepsis model rat

The study aimed to investigate the histological, biochemical, and molecular effects of ethanol extract of Ferula orientalis in rats that had undergone cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). We chose Ferula orientalis because of its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. We divided 30 female rats into five equal groups. Group 1: Sepsis group, Group 2: Sepsis + Ferula LD, Group 3: Sepsis + Ferula HD, Group 4: Sham group, Group 5: Control. The cecum was removed from the abdomen and ligated with 4/0 sutures. After that two holes were created in the distal cecum by using 16-gauge needle to the CLP model. Histopathological (H&E, TUNEL, PERIODIC ACID-SCHIFF), Biochemical (SOD,CAT,GSH,MDA), and molecular (TNF–α, p53) analyses were performed. According to H&E findings, neutrophil infiltration, thickening of the alveolar walls, and areas of inflammation were quite remarkable in the sepsis group. In the TUNEL staining, a high density of apoptotic cells was noted in the sepsis group, while a dose dependent decrease in a density apoptotic cells was observed depending on the dose increase when the Ferula ethanol extract was applied. Antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, and GSH) activity increased in the Ferula orientalis sepsis groups compared to the sepsis group (p < 0.05). The high-dose Ferula group showed the highest enzyme activity but had the highest level of TNF–α gene expression (p < 0.05). This suggests that Ferula may trigger different immune responses depending on the dose. The ethanol extract of Ferula orientalis improved the CLP sepsis model in rats by decreasing oxidative stress, inflammation and cell apoptosis.