Effect of ergothioneine on acute lung injury and inflammation in cytokine insufflated rats

ObjectiveThe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), the most severe form of Acute Lung Injury (ALI), is a highly-fatal, diffuse non-cardiogenic edematous lung disorder. The pathogenesis of ARDS is unknown but lung inflammation and lung oxidative stress are likely contributing factors. Since no specific pharmacologic intervention exists for ARDS, our objective was to determine the effect of treatment with ergothioneine—a safe agent with multiple anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties on the development of lung injury and inflammation in rats insufflated with cytokines found in lung lavages of ARDS patients.MethodSprague–Dawley rats (3–10/group) were given 15 mg/kg or 150 mg/kg l-ergothioneine intravenously 1 h before or 18 h after cytokine (IL-1 and IFNγ) insufflation. Lung injury (lavage LDH levels) and lung inflammation (lavage neutrophil numbers) were measured 24 h after cytokine insufflation.ResultsErgothioneine pre- and post-treatment generally decreased lung injury and lung inflammation in cytokine insufflated rats.ConclusionErgothioneine should be considered for additional testing as a potential therapy for treating and preventing ARDS.

► ARDS is a highly-fatal, untreatable condition. ► Ergothioneine is an effective anti-inflammatory antioxidant. ► Ergothioneine decreases inflammation and injury in cytokine insufflated rats. ► Ergothioneine may be a candidate for treating ARDS.