Protective effects of bromelain in LPS-induced acute lung injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe disease that can cause extensive lung damage and lead to death. Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines and associated inflammation and oxidative damage irreversibly damage the lung tissue, leading to death. This study aimed to utilize the powerful antioxidant properties of bromelain (BRO) in ALI to determine its beneficial effects. We used an LPS-induced ALI model in rats, and 40 male specimens were divided into five groups: Healthy, Healthy+100BRO, ALI, ALI + 50BRO, and ALI + 100BRO. At the end of the study, histopathological and biochemical analyses of the lung tissue samples were performed. The results showed that tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and malondialdehyde levels increased in the ALI group and that these levels decreased dose-dependently with BRO treatment. We also demonstrated that superoxide dismutase levels, which decreased in the ALI group, increased dose-dependently in the BRO treatment groups. Histopathologically, significant improvement was detected in the BRO treatment groups. As a result of this research, it is suggested that BRO should be considered as supportive therapy in ALI. However, more detailed experimental and clinical studies on this subject are needed.

Journal

BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

Year

2026

Volume

62

ISSN

1984-8250

eISSN

2175-9790

DOI

10.1590/s2175-97902026e24685

WoS UID

WOS:001713537500001