The Preventive Role of Gemfibrozil on Bleomycin-Induced Lung Injury and Fibrosis in Rats

authors:

avatar Yasna Mohammadi 1 , 2 , avatar Mohammad Javad Khodayar ORCID 2 , 3 , * , avatar Aliasghar Hemmati 4 , avatar Esrafil Mansouri ORCID 5

Health Research Institute, Diabetes Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Faculty of Allied Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Department of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

how to cite: Mohammadi Y, Khodayar M J, Hemmati A, Mansouri E. The Preventive Role of Gemfibrozil on Bleomycin-Induced Lung Injury and Fibrosis in Rats. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod. 2017;12(3 (Supp)):e64314. https://doi.org/10.5812/jjnpp.64314.

Abstract

Background:

Pulmonary fibrosis could be a threat for the health society. Oxidative stress, inflammatory, and fibrotic factors have an important role in the pathology of pulmonary fibrosis. The inhibition of these factors is a central mechanism for lung fibrosis prevention and therapy.

Objectives:

According to Gemfibrozil (GEM) effects, such as antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of GEM in an animal model of pulmonary injury and fibrosis induced by Bleomycin (BLM).

Methods:

Experiments were done at 2 different time periods, 1 and 3 weeks in duration after BLM. In each time period, thirty rats were divided to 5 groups: 1, vehicle orally + saline Intratracheally (IT); 2, vehicle orally + BLM (IT) and 3 - 5, GEM at the doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, orally + BLM (IT), respectively. Gem was administered 3 day before BLM and continued for one or three weeks.

Results:

At the end of both phases, 7th day and 21th day lung index and tissue collagen level were determined. Furthermore, macroscopic appearance and histopathological were analyzed. The results showed that gemfibrozil had beneficial effects in a dose-dependent manner and best results were found in animals treated by 100 mg/kg of GEM.

Conclusions:

Finally, the current study concluded that GEM could be considered as a candidate in lung injury and fibrosis and could be used for improvement of lung damage and fibrosis in humans.

1. Background

Pulmonary fibrosis is a common disease with high mortality because of damage to the lung parenchyma by inflammatory factors that ultimately lead to fibrosis (1-3). Chemotherapy with BLM and therapy with amiodarone as an anti-arrhythmic agent often result in lung injury with fibrosis (4, 5). In addition, environmental factors, such as exposure to asbestos and silica and toxins, such as paraquat, are usually associated with significant injury of lung and pulmonary fibrosis (6). Usually, inflammatory variable factors during lung injury, such as TGF-β, Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1 (MIP-1), TNF-α, and absence of the PPAR-α receptors, do not respond to anti-inflammatory treatment (7-11). In addition, free radicals formation plays a key role in disease pathogenesis (12, 13). The main strategies for remedy of patients is improvement of parenchymal cells and maintains normal function by reducing free radicals and inhibition of inflammatory processes (14). Previous studies have reported that the ideal use of compound with antioxidant property, such as lycopene and curcumin, are effective on normalizing the level of anti-oxidant in amiodarone and BLM-induced inflammation (5, 15). There is little data regarding the role of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors Alpha (PPAR-α) in lung fibrosis (16). Furthermore, GEM as a fibric acid derivative lipid lowering agent and PPAR-α receptor agonist, has some effects other than in the treatment of hyperlipidemia (17-20). In previous studies, it has been well confirmed that GEM has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties through effects on TGF-B, TNF-α, and PPAR-α (21, 22).

2. Objectives

Taken together, GEM could be a good strategy for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. This study was conducted to examine the effects of GEM in an animal model of lung injury and fibrosis.

3. Methods

3.1. Animals

The male Sprague-Dawley rats weighting 180 to 200 grams were prepared from the research center and experimental animal house of Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz. The animals were housed in stainless cages with room temperature of 21 to 24°C humidity of 45% to 55% and 12 hour light-dark cycle during the study time course. They were fed rodent standard food with free access to water. All procedures were approved by the animal care committee of the Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (number: IR.AJUMS.REC.1394.659), Ahvaz, Iran.

3.2. Preparation of GEM

Gemfibrozil was obtained from Dr. Abidi Pharmaceutical manufacturing company (Tehran, Iran). The GEM solution was prepared by wetting of GEM in minimum amount of glycerin and carefully levigating in mortar by pestle with the addition of water. The GEM doses were prepared based on serial dilutions. Administration of GEM was done 3 days before induction of lung damage and fibrosis and continued for 1 or 3 weeks.

3.3. Experimental Design

In the study, the researchers evaluated both phases of lung damage consisting of inflammation (7th day) and fibrosis (21th day) after BLM, Intratracheally (IT). Accordingly, experiments were conducted in 2 different time periods, 1 and 3 weeks in duration. In each time period, thirty rats were divided to 5 groups (n = 6). The animals were pretreated by vehicle or GEM (25, 50, 100 mg/kg), orally. After 3 day, the groups received single normal saline or BLM (IT) for induction of lung fibrosis.

3.4. Induction of Pulmonary Fibrosis with Bleomycin

Anesthetized animals were laid on a slanted board and hanged through upper canine teeth. A single dose of 5 IU/kg of BLM was diluted in saline (1 mL/kg) and was instilled in the throat. Subsequently, swallowing and breathing were blocked to be completely aspirate BLM into the lung. To ensure of drug sector in all parts of the lung, the animals were laid down and after full consciousness, transferred to cage (23, 24).

3.5. Lung Indices

Lung index was calculated based on the ratio of lung weight to body weight in both inflammatory (1 week) and fibrotic (3 weeks) phases.

3.6. Macroscopic Analysis

For macroscopic analysis, the lungs appearance was compared based on lung swelling, tissue discoloration, hemorrhagic lesions, and elasticity.

3.7. Measurement of Collagen

The paraffin-embedded tissue sections were deparaffinized and then impregnated with dye solution and dye extraction, including the Sirius Red/ Fast Green Collagen Staining kit (Chondrex, Inc.). Optical density of lung tissue samples was recorded and collagen content was measured through the following equation:

Collagen (µg/section) = (OD 540 value - (OD 605 value × 0.291))/0.0378

3.8. Histopathological Study

Histological studies were performed to evaluate changes caused by inflammation on the 7th day and fibrosis on the 21st day after BLM instillation. After fixation with 10% formalin and preparation of 5 µm tissue sections by rotary microtome, Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) staining was performed for evaluation of inflammation and fibrosis.

3.9. Statistical Analysis

All data are reported as mean ± SD. Statistical analysis was performed by the t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by LSD test, with the SPSS software. P values of < 0.05 were considered as statistical significance.

4. Results

4.1. Lung Index

The evaluation of lung index indicates that there was a slight effect in the first phase on the 7th day, so that only a dose of 50 mg/kg of GEM resulted in a significant difference (P < 0.05), while at doses of 25 and 100 mg/kg, reduction of lung index was not significant (Table 1). The results also showed that the level of lung index in the BLM untreated group during the second phase was increased, yet the lung index in the animals treated by GEM 100 mg/kg was reduced at the end of the second phase compared to the BLM group (P < 0.05).

Table 1.

The Effect of Gemfibrozil on the Lung Index Level (Lung Weight to Body Weight Ratio) (Both Phase) in Rats with BLM-Induced Pulmonary Damagea

Groups, N = 6Lung Index Level, mg lung/g BW
Inflammatory Phase (7th Day)Fibrotic Phase (21th Day)
Control (Vehicle + Saline)8.08 ± 0.596.02 ± 0.47
Vehicle + BLM10.28 ± 1.511.93 ± 0.81
GEM 25 mg/kg + BLM9.76 ± 0.8211.26 ± 0.34b
GEM 50 mg/kg + BLM8.96 ± 0.87b9.68 ± 0.45b
GEM 100 mg/kg + BLM9.90 ± 1.49.69 ± 0.59b

4.2. Macroscopic Assessment

Macroscopic observation showed that BLM administration led to brightness and loss of tissue color, hemorrhagic lesions, and loss of tissue elasticity. Administration of GEM produced increased tissue color and elasticity and decreased hemorrhagic damage (Figure 1).

The Macroscopic Observations of the Effects of Gemfibrozil on BLM Induced Lung Injury and Fibrosis
The lungs were prepared from rats at the end of first (7th day) and second phases (21th day) of study.

4.3. Collagen Content

As shown in Table 2, when the animals were treated by different doses of GEM, significant differences in the level of collagen (both phase) was observed compared to the BLM group (P < 0.05). The comparison of mean values showed that treatment by GEM reduced collagen level on the 7th day and 21st day of the experimental periods. In addition, the researchers also found that there was a greater reduction in the group treated by GEM 100 mg/kg (approximately 33.5% and 61% in both phase, respectively). It was well known that these effects were dose-dependent (Table 2).

Table 2.

The Effect of Gemfibrozil on the Collagen Level (Both Phase) in Rats with BLM-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation and Fibrosisa

Groups (N = 6)Collagen Level, µg/tissue section
Inflammatory Phase (7th Day)Fibrotic Phase (21th Day)
Control (Vehicle + Saline)5.20 ± 0.114.96 ± 0.10
Vehicle + BLM11.23 ± 0.8023.83 ± 0.22
GEM 25 mg/kg + BLM9.70 ± 0.47b14.73 ± 0.42b
GEM 50 mg/kg + BLM8.40 ± 0.23b11.66 ± 0.13b
GEM 100 mg/kg + BLM7.46 ± 0.37b9.29 ± 0.16b

4.4. Histopathological Observations

Histopathology evaluation of lung tissue on the 7th and 21st day showed that BLM resulted dramatic change, such as inflammatory cells infiltrates, decreased alveolar spaces, alveolar walls thickening, and increase of fibroblasts and widening of pulmonary interstitial. These findings represent inflammation and fibrosis. However, observations on the 7th day indicate inflammatory events with slightly fibrotic lesions and on the 21st day show the fibrosis without the presence of inflammatory cells (Figures 2 and 3). The current evaluation showed that treatment with GEM 25 mg/kg did not dramatically effect changes induced by BLM and tissue sections were similar to the BLM group. Although dose of 50 mg/kg of GEM led to an increase of alveoli space, the improvement was also clear. The best effect was found in the group treated by 100 mg/kg GEM, so that alveolar space increased and wall thickening of some lung parts was slight. After 21 days (second phase), the researchers found visible changes, such as increase in fibrotic cells, tissue necrosis resulted from BLM, along with deterioration of induced changes during the first phase. In the group treated by 25 mg/kg of GEM, the changes were improved yet still showed fibrosis. Data confirmed that the animals treated by 100 mg/kg of GEM had the most similarity with the control animals, howbeit, there were slight changes, yet improvement was perfectly obvious (Figures 2 and 3).

The Effects of Gemfibrozil on BLM-Induced Lung Injury and Fibrosis
The tissue section were prepared from rat lungs in all groups at the end of the first phase (7th day), (H and E × 150).
The Effects of Gemfibrozil on BLM-Induced Lung Injury and Fibrosis
Ttissue sections were prepared from rat lungs in all groups at the end of the second phase (21st day), (H and E × 150).

5. Discussion

Thus study presents new findings on the effects of GEM on pulmonary fibrosis. Bleomycin induces pulmonary fibrosis and tissue damage in animal models through oxidant-antioxidant imbalance and hydroxyl and superoxide radical production (12, 14, 25, 26). Accordingly, BLM is widely used for induction of pulmonary fibrosis (27, 28). Here, the study found that BLM resulted in dramatic changes, such as destruction of alveoli, thickening of lung wall, increment of lung interstitial fibroblast, and development of fibrosis. These changes start with inflammation that leads to the accumulation of collagen and ultimately fibrosis. It was shown that changes of collagen are a clear indication of fibrosis (29-31). The models of BLM or amiodarone-induced pulmonary fibrosis have determined increased hydroxyproline, which represents the destruction of tissue (32, 33). The current results confirmed the useful effect of GEM on pulmonary damage and fibrosis and it was clear that GEM at a dose of 100 mg/kg had a greater effect. Imbalance of oxidant-antioxidant agents occurs under conditions of pulmonary fibrosis, which is probably a major cause of tissue damage. One of the effects of free radicals increment is destruction of membrane lipids and MDA level. The measurement of MDA determines the amount of tissue damage (34-37). The protective mechanisms of vitamin E against amiodarone-induced pulmonary toxicity has been shown. Results have shown that vitamin E administration decreases the high level of TGF-β1 and hydroxyproline, which leads to reversal tissue destruction (33). In relation to antioxidant effects, the past results are similar to the current study. It has been reported that antioxidants, such as curcumin, could improve oxidative status in pulmonary fibrosis (38). In addition, it was shown that curcumin, as an antioxidant compound, was inhibited by the development pulmonary fibrosis, which is a good reason for its use (5). Green tea extract administration is effective in pulmonary fibrosis by reduction of MDA and hydroxyproline levels and endothelin expression (39). In an animal model of liver fibrosis, it has been recognized that decreased PPAR-α and increased TGF-β expressions was associated with development of hepatic fibrosis (40). Moreover, lycopene improved the pathological changes of lung tissue and MDA level, which is probably by inhibition of oxidative stress (15). Previous studies have shown that antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of GEM could be mediated by several pathways. It has been reported that GEM effects could be mediated through PPAR-α dependent and independent pathways and it has been emphasized that anti-oxidative, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of GEM are not PPAR-α dependent (20). It has been reported that GEM resulted in reduction of TNF-α and interleukin 6, and also decreased the expression of NADPH oxidase. In addition, it is known as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent due to the inhibition of NF-κB activation and increase of PPAR-α activation (21, 22, 41-43). In conclusion, this study showed that GEM could alleviate inflammatory and fibrotic effects of BLM and these effects may be mediated through anti-oxidative properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and activation of PPAR-α receptors.

5.1. Conclusion

According to this line of antioxidant compounds in the current study, it could be suggested that GEM, by normalizing the levels of antioxidants, prevents tissue damage under conditions of BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis. However, the researchers suggest further studies for understanding the exact mechanism of GEM and its possible side effects.

References

  • 1.

    Craig VJ, Quintero PA, Fyfe SE, Patel AS, Knolle MD, Kobzik L, et al. Profibrotic activities for matrix metalloproteinase-8 during bleomycin-mediated lung injury. J Immunol. 2013;190(8):4283-96. [PubMed ID: 23487425]. https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.1201043.

  • 2.

    Travis WD, Costabel U, Hansell DM, King TJ, Lynch DA, Nicholson AG, et al. An official American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society statement: Update of the international multidisciplinary classification of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2013;188(6):733-48. [PubMed ID: 24032382]. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201308-1483ST.

  • 3.

    Kim DS, Collard HR, King TJ. Classification and natural history of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. Proc Am Thorac Soc. 2006;3(4):285-92. [PubMed ID: 16738191]. https://doi.org/10.1513/pats.200601-005TK.

  • 4.

    Lasky JA, Ortiz LA, Tonthat B, Hoyle GW, Corti M, Athas G, et al. Connective tissue growth factor mRNA expression is upregulated in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Am J Physiol. 1998;275(2 Pt 1):L365-71. [PubMed ID: 9700098].

  • 5.

    Punithavathi D, Venkatesan N, Babu M. Protective effects of curcumin against amiodarone-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. Br J Pharmacol. 2003;139(7):1342-50. [PubMed ID: 12890714]. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjp.0705362.

  • 6.

    Kuwano K, Kunitake R, Maeyama T, Hagimoto N, Kawasaki M, Matsuba T, et al. Attenuation of bleomycin-induced pneumopathy in mice by a caspase inhibitor. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2001;280(2):L316-25. [PubMed ID: 11159011].

  • 7.

    Santana A, Saxena B, Noble NA, Gold LI, Marshall BC. Increased expression of transforming growth factor beta isoforms (beta 1, beta 2, beta 3) in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 1995;13(1):34-44. [PubMed ID: 7541221]. https://doi.org/10.1165/ajrcmb.13.1.7541221.

  • 8.

    Khalil N, Parekh TV, O'Connor RN, Gold LI. Differential expression of transforming growth factor-beta type I and II receptors by pulmonary cells in bleomycin-induced lung injury: correlation with repair and fibrosis. Exp Lung Res. 2002;28(3):233-50. [PubMed ID: 11936776]. https://doi.org/10.1080/019021402753570527.

  • 9.

    Smith RE, Strieter RM, Phan SH, Lukacs NW, Huffnagle GB, Wilke CA, et al. Production and function of murine macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha in bleomycin-induced lung injury. J Immunol. 1994;153(10):4704-12. [PubMed ID: 7525712].

  • 10.

    Fujita M, Shannon JM, Irvin CG, Fagan KA, Cool C, Augustin A, et al. Overexpression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha produces an increase in lung volumes and pulmonary hypertension. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2001;280(1):L39-49. [PubMed ID: 11133493].

  • 11.

    Genovese T, Mazzon E, Di Paola R, Muia C, Crisafulli C, Caputi AP, et al. ROLE OF ENDOGENOUS AND EXOGENOUS LIGANDS FOR THE PEROXISOME PROLIFERATOR-ACTIVATED RECEPTOR alpha IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF BLEOMYCIN-INDUCED LUNG INJURY. Shock. 2005;24(6):547-55. [PubMed ID: 16317386]. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.shk.0000190825.28783.a4.

  • 12.

    Oury TD, Thakker K, Menache M, Chang LY, Crapo JD, Day BJ. Attenuation of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by a catalytic antioxidant metalloporphyrin. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2001;25(2):164-9. [PubMed ID: 11509325]. https://doi.org/10.1165/ajrcmb.25.2.4235.

  • 13.

    Kinnula VL, Crapo JD, Raivio KO. Generation and disposal of reactive oxygen metabolites in the lung. Lab Invest. 1995;73(1):3-19. [PubMed ID: 7603038].

  • 14.

    Moeller A, Ask K, Warburton D, Gauldie J, Kolb M. The bleomycin animal model: a useful tool to investigate treatment options for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis? Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2008;40(3):362-82. [PubMed ID: 17936056]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocel.2007.08.011.

  • 15.

    Zhou C, Han W, Zhang P, Cai M, Wei D, Zhang C. Lycopene from tomatoes partially alleviates the bleomycin-induced experimental pulmonary fibrosis in rats. Nutr Res. 2008;28(2):122-30. [PubMed ID: 19083398]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2007.12.008.

  • 16.

    Lakatos HF, Thatcher TH, Kottmann RM, Garcia TM, Phipps RP, Sime PJ. The Role of PPARs in Lung Fibrosis. PPAR Res. 2007;2007:71323. [PubMed ID: 17710235]. https://doi.org/10.1155/2007/71323.

  • 17.

    Camara-Lemarroy CR, Guzman DF, Cordero-Perez P, Ibarra-Hernandez JM, Munoz-Espinosa LE, Fernandez-Garza NE. Gemfibrozil attenuates the inflammatory response and protects rats from abdominal sepsis. Exp Ther Med. 2015;9(3):1018-22. [PubMed ID: 25667670]. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2015.2190.

  • 18.

    Feng X, Gao X, Jia Y, Zhang H, Xu Y, Wang G. PPAR-alpha Agonist Fenofibrate Decreased RANTES Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Hypertriglyceridemia. Med Sci Monit. 2016;22:743-51. [PubMed ID: 26944934]. https://doi.org/10.12659/MSM.897307.

  • 19.

    Sharma AK, Raikwar SK, Kurmi MK, Srinivasan BP. Gemfibrozil and its combination with metformin on pleiotropic effect on IL-10 and adiponectin and anti-atherogenic treatment in insulin resistant type 2 diabetes mellitus rats. Inflammopharmacology. 2013;21(2):137-45. [PubMed ID: 23111552]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-012-0154-4.

  • 20.

    Roy A, Pahan K. Gemfibrozil, stretching arms beyond lipid lowering. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2009;31(3):339-51. [PubMed ID: 19694602]. https://doi.org/10.1080/08923970902785253.

  • 21.

    Zhao SP, Ye HJ, Zhou HN, Nie S, Li QZ. Gemfibrozil reduces release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy subjects and patients with coronary heart disease. Clin Chim Acta. 2003;332(1-2):61-7. [PubMed ID: 12763281]. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-8981(03)00123-2.

  • 22.

    Mohagheghi F, Khalaj L, Ahmadiani A, Rahmani B. Gemfibrozil pretreatment affecting antioxidant defense system and inflammatory, but not Nrf-2 signaling pathways resulted in female neuroprotection and male neurotoxicity in the rat models of global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Neurotox Res. 2013;23(3):225-37. [PubMed ID: 22773136]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12640-012-9338-3.

  • 23.

    Schraufnagel DE, Mehta D, Harshbarger R, Treviranus K, Wang NS. Capillary remodeling in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Am J Pathol. 1986;125(1):97-106. [PubMed ID: 2430459].

  • 24.

    Szapiel SV, Elson NA, Fulmer JD, Hunninghake GW, Crystal RG. Bleomycin-induced interstitial pulmonary disease in the nude, athymic mouse. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1979;120(4):893-9. [PubMed ID: 92208]. https://doi.org/10.1164/arrd.1979.120.4.893.

  • 25.

    Bahrami-Karkevandi M, Moshtaghian SJ, Mahzoni P, Adibi S, Kazemi S. The effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Artemisia Aucheri on bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats [In Persian]. J Shahrekord Univ Med Sci. 2011;12(4):33-40.

  • 26.

    Tryka AF, Godleski JJ, Skornik WA, Brain JD. Progressive pulmonary fibrosis in hamsters. Exp Lung Res. 1983;5(3):155-71. [PubMed ID: 6197299]. https://doi.org/10.3109/01902148309061511.

  • 27.

    Idell S, James KK, Gillies C, Fair DS, Thrall RS. Abnormalities of pathways of fibrin turnover in lung lavage of rats with oleic acid and bleomycin-induced lung injury support alveolar fibrin deposition. Am J Pathol. 1989;135(2):387-99. [PubMed ID: 2476934].

  • 28.

    Schrier DJ, Phan SH, McGarry BM. The effects of the nude (nu/nu) mutation on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. A biochemical evaluation. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1983;127(5):614-7. [PubMed ID: 6189434]. https://doi.org/10.1164/arrd.1983.127.5.614.

  • 29.

    Chandler DB, Hyde DM, Giri SN. Morphometric estimates of infiltrative cellular changes during the development of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in hamsters. Am J Pathol. 1983;112(2):170-7. [PubMed ID: 6192723].

  • 30.

    Giri SN, Hyde DM, Braun RK, Gaarde W, Harper JR, Pierschbacher MD. Antifibrotic effect of decorin in a bleomycin hamster model of lung fibrosis. Biochem Pharmacol. 1997;54(11):1205-16. [PubMed ID: 9416971]. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-2952(97)00343-2.

  • 31.

    Zhao J, Shi W, Wang YL, Chen H, Bringas PJ, Datto MB, et al. Smad3 deficiency attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2002;282(3):L585-93. [PubMed ID: 11839555]. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajplung.00151.2001.

  • 32.

    Ozyurt H, Sogut S, Yildirim Z, Kart L, Iraz M, Armutcu F, et al. Inhibitory effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on bleomycine-induced lung fibrosis in rats. Clin Chim Acta. 2004;339(1-2):65-75. [PubMed ID: 14687895]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cccn.2003.09.015.

  • 33.

    Card JW, Racz WJ, Brien JF, Massey TE. Attenuation of amiodarone-induced pulmonary fibrosis by vitamin E is associated with suppression of transforming growth factor-beta1 gene expression but not prevention of mitochondrial dysfunction. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2003;304(1):277-83. [PubMed ID: 12490602]. https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.102.043208.

  • 34.

    Henson PM, Johnston RJ. Tissue injury in inflammation. Oxidants, proteinases, and cationic proteins. J Clin Invest. 1987;79(3):669-74. [PubMed ID: 3546374]. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI112869.

  • 35.

    Fantone JC, Phan SH. Oxygen metabolite detoxifying enzyme levels in bleomycin-induced fibrotic lungs. Free Radic Biol Med. 1988;4(6):399-402. [PubMed ID: 2454874]. https://doi.org/10.1016/0891-5849(88)90091-3.

  • 36.

    Asgary S, Dinani NJ, Madani H, Mahzouni P. Ethanolic extract of Artemisia aucheri induces regression of aorta wall fatty streaks in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Pharmazie. 2008;63(5):394-7. [PubMed ID: 18557427].

  • 37.

    Farzaneh M, Ahmadzadeh M, Hadian J, Tehrani AS. Chemical composition and antifungal activity of the essential oils of three species of Artemisia on some soil-borne phytopathogens. Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci. 2006;71(3 Pt B):1327-33. [PubMed ID: 17390897].

  • 38.

    Zhou G, Niu JZ, Wang JF, Chen WT, Liu TX, Li YS, et al. [Experimental study on effect of curcumin on inhibiting injury of free radical in pulmonary fibrosis rats]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006;31(8):669-72. [PubMed ID: 16830828].

  • 39.

    Kim HR, Park BK, Oh YM, Lee YS, Lee DS, Kim HK, et al. Green tea extract inhibits paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis by suppression of oxidative stress and endothelin-l expression. Lung. 2006;184(5):287-95. [PubMed ID: 17235729]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-005-2592-x.

  • 40.

    Karaman M, Özen H, Dağ, S, Atakİşİ, O. Ameliorative effect of omega-3 in carbon tetrachloride toxicity. Kafkas Univ Vet Fak Derg. 2017;23(1):77-85.

  • 41.

    Despres JP, Lemieux I, Pascot A, Almeras N, Dumont M, Nadeau A, et al. Gemfibrozil reduces plasma C-reactive protein levels in abdominally obese men with the atherogenic dyslipidemia of the metabolic syndrome. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2003;23(4):702-3. [PubMed ID: 12692010]. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.ATV.0000062990.62034.64.

  • 42.

    Calkin AC, Cooper ME, Jandeleit-Dahm KA, Allen TJ. Gemfibrozil decreases atherosclerosis in experimental diabetes in association with a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation. Diabetologia. 2006;49(4):766-74. [PubMed ID: 16463048]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-005-0102-6.

  • 43.

    Jana M, Jana A, Liu X, Ghosh S, Pahan K. Involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-mediated up-regulation of I kappa B alpha in anti-inflammatory effect of gemfibrozil in microglia. J Immunol. 2007;179(6):4142-52. [PubMed ID: 17785853]. https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.179.6.4142.