Therapeutic intervention of Chenopodium quinoa seeds extract against cigarette smoke-induced acute lung injury

Abstract Lung is the prime organ for respiration, facing health issues when exposed to environment. Acute lung injury due to direct and indirect stimuli provokes an inflammatory response resulting in alveolar epithelial barrier dysfunction, increase membrane permeability and ultimately pulmonary edema. Approximately eight million deaths were reported each year with direct or indirect exposure to smoke. Current study was designed to elucidate the therapeutic efficacy of Chenopodium quinoa seeds extract against cigarette smoke-induced pathophysiological alterations in the lung parenchyma. Results revealed that serum oxidative marker (TOS) were significantly (P <0.05) reduced in all the treatment groups in comparison to control positive group while, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was significantly (P <0.05) increased in all the treatment groups in comparison to control positive group. Gene expression analysis result indicated highly significant (P <0.05) down regulation of Nrf-2 signaling pathway (Keap-1, NFR-1 and Nfe-212) and dual-oxidases (Duox, Duoxa-1, and Duox-2) in all the treatment groups in comparison to control positive group. Histopathology of the lung tissues indicated the decreased infiltration of leukocytes at the site of alveoli and decreased hyaline membrane thickening in all the treatment groups in comparison to control positive group. Overall results concluded that the therapeutic efficacy of Chenopodium quinoa seeds extract against cigarette smoke-induced pathophysiological alterations in the lung parenchyma due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy to restore lung homeostasis.