Goniothalamin prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury and inflammation via TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Goniothalamin (GTN) is a natural compound isolated from Goniothalamus species. It is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. However, there is a paucity of scientific data about its toxicity. This study investigated GTN's anti-inflammatory mechanism and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury in mice. Mice were distributed into four groups and injected with GTN intraperitoneally (Dosage-50 and 100 mg/kg). We analyzed the wet/dry weight ratio, infiltrated inflammatory cell count, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and histopathological changes in the lung tissues of the mice. Results revealed GTN alleviated LPS-induced inflammation in mice. Western Blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques were used to investigate the effect of GTN on pro-inflammatory cytokines and proteins involved in the MAPK and nuclear factor-B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Cytokines (macrophage migration inhibitory factor, interleukin [IL]-13, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β) were inhibited by GTN. However, IL-10 was upregulated. Western blot analysis indicated that GTN suppressed the phosphorylation of jun N-terminal kinase, nuclear factor NF-kappa-B p65, I-kappa-B, extracellular signal-regulated kinases, NF-κB, and p38. GTN also suppressed the expression of TLR-4 protein, thereby, inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Thus, GTN can effectively prevent and cure acute lung injury.