ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the effect of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) decoy oligode-oxynucleotides (ODN) on respiratory function and expressions of IL-1β and IL-13 in serum following se-vere lung contusion in rabbits. Methods A total of 40 New-Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups, ie, severe lung contusion group (Group A, n=12), severe lung contusion with NF-κB scrambled decoy ODN intervention group (Group B, n=12), severe lung contusion with sense NF- B de-coy ODN intervention group (Group C, n=12) and normal control group (Group D, n =4). After the contusion model was set up, the sense and scrambled NF-κB decoy ODN were infused into the rabbits via the jugular veins in different groups, with 20 g per experimental rabbit. After contusion, respiratory fre-quency, tidal volume, airway pressure, respiration flow rate curve and end expiration nitric oxide concen-tration were detected at 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours. The expressions of IL-1β and IL-13 in serum were observed by means of ELISA. Results After sense NF-κB decoy ODN intervention, alveolar ventilation, arteri-al PO_2 and pulmonary compliance were improved, compared with Group A and Group B, with statistical difference (P<0.01). The expression of IL-1β was decreased and that of IL-13 increased after sense NF-κB decoy ODN intervention to the severe lung contusion, compared with Groups A and B, with statis-tical difference (P <0.01). The expression of IL-1β was increased to peak level at 1 hour after contu-sion, which continued to the end of the experiment. While expression of IL-13 was decreased at 1 hour af-ter contusion and reached the minimum level at 4 hours. With intervention with sense decoy ODN, the in-creased expression of IL-1β was down-regulated, but expression of IL-13 remained at high level, with sta-tistical difference compared with Group A and Group B (P < 0.01). Conclusions Intervention with sense NF-κB decoy ODN can significantly protect the respiratory function, reduce the expression of IL-1β and increase expression of IL-13 after severe lung contusion.