Saikosaponin D attenuates inflammatory response and cell apoptosis of lipopolysaccharide‐induced lung epithelial cells

BACKGROUND: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a prevalent complication of sepsis with high mortality rate. Saikosaponin D (SSD) is a triterpenoid saponin that has been reported to alleviate sepsis‐triggered renal injury in mice. Nonetheless, the therapeutic effect of SSD on sepsis‐evoked ALI is unclarified. METHODS: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli 055:B5 was utilized to stimulate lung epithelial cell line MLE‐12. A mouse model of sepsis was established. CCK‐8 assay was employed for determining cytotoxicity. ELISA was utilized for determining proinflammatory cytokine production. Flow cytometry and western blotting were implemented for evaluating cell apoptosis. Hematoxylin–eosin staining was conducted for histologic analysis of murine lung tissues. RESULTS: SSD alleviated LPS‐triggered inflammation and cell apoptosis of MLE‐12 cells. SSD treatment ameliorated the pathological damages, inflammatory response, and cell apoptosis in the lungs of septic mice. CONCLUSION: SSD protects against sepsis‐triggered ALI by inhibiting inflammation and cell apoptosis in MLE‐12 cells and septic mouse mice.