Glycyrrhizic acid alleviates lung injury in sepsis through SIRT1/HMGB1 pathway

Objectives:This study explores the protective effects of glycyrrhizic acid(GA)on sepsis-induced cellular damage and inflammation in acute lung injury(ALI),specifically through the modulation of the sirtuin 1(SIRT1)and high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)pathway.Methods:The study employed two experimental models:lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced BEAS-2B human lung epithelial cells and cecal ligation and puncture(CLP)rats,to simulate sepsis conditions.The cell model involved treatments with LPS,GA,control siRNA(si-NC),and SIRT1-specific siRNA(si-SIRT1).Evaluations included cell viability,apoptosis,and cytokine production.In the rat model,treatments included GA and the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527,with assessments on lung tissue damage,inflammation,and protein expression using Western blot and co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP)analysis.Results:LPS exposure significantly reduced SIRT1 mRNA levels and cell viability in BEAS-2B cells,which effects were reversed by cotreatment with GA and si-NC but negated by si-SIRT1.LPS also induced apoptosis and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and HMGB1 expression,which were mitigated by GA and si-NC and exacerbated by si-SIRT1.In CLP rats,GA treatment decreased lung tissue damage,inflammatory cytokines,and HMGB1 expression,and enhanced SIRT1 levels.However,these protective effects were reversed when GA was combined with EX527.Conclusion:GA demonstrates significant protective effects against LPS-induced damage and inflammation in lung cells and tissue by modulating the SIRT1-HMGB1 pathway.This suggests that GA could be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating sepsis and related inflammatory conditions.

Hypertension Unusual Cause

We expose a case of a woman with hypertension and hypokalemia. The differential diagnosis should include primary hyperaldosteronism, diuretics or lazantes intake, secondary hyperaldosteronism. In this patient, additional tests performed show no cause of hormonal disruption and the whole picture is due to a high intake of licorice. Glycyrrhetinic acid, the active component of licorice, inhibits renal IIbeta-hydroxisteroid dehydrogenase. This allows cortisol to stimulate mineralocorticoid receptors. Licorice ingestion should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hypertension with hypokalemia.