Gamma-Terpinene, inhibits P38 and NFκB signaling pathway by supressing of TLR4 in a murine model of acute lung injure

Introduction. Gamma-terpinene (GT) is a component of essential oil classified as monoterpene of several plants. This molecule presents anti-inflammatory property. Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of GT in acute lung injury (ALI) experimental model. Methods. For this purpose, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged BALB/c mice were treated with GT50 (50 mg/kg) one, 24 and 48 hours after the LPS-challenge. The inflammatory cell migration and cytokine production were measured in the fluid of bronchoalveolar lavage (BALF), cellular infiltration and mucus content were analyzed in the lung tissue and the p38/NFκB(p65) signaling pathway was analyzed in the BALF cells. Results. GT50 treatment inhibited inflammatory cell migration to the lung cavity as well as to the alveolar-capillary region. The treatment reduced the lung edema by decreasing protein content on the lung cavity as well as the lung wet/dry weight ratio. In addition, the GT50 treatment reduced IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α production and, the mechanism of action of the GT was by decreasing the TLR4 expression and p38 kinase and NFκB(p65) activities. Conclusion. These results indicate that the essential oil, gamma-terpinene, is a potential molecule to be tested in a clinical trial to prevent lung injury in acute lung injure syndrome.