The protective effect of infliximab against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute lung injury

Abstract

<strong><em>Objective(s):</em></strong> Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) causes pulmonary toxicity. Infliximab (Ib) is a potent inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). We aimed to investigate whether Ib has a protective effect on CCl₄ induced lung injury. <strong><em>Materials and Methods:</em></strong>Rats were divided into control, CCl₄, and CCl₄+Ib groups. A single dose of 2 ml/kg CCI₄ was administered to CCI₄ group and a single dose of 7 mg/kg Ib was given to CCl₄+Ib group 24 hr before applying CCI₄. <strong><em>Results:</em></strong>TNF-α, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and caspase-3 levels of the CCl₄ group were markedly higher than both the control and CCl₄+Ib groups. The CCI4+Ib group had lower histopathological injury than the CCl4 group. <strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong>Ib as a strong TNF-α blocker decreases the production of proinflammatory cytokines, MDA, and oxidative stress leading to a protective effect against CCl₄ induced lung tissue injury.