Silibinin Mitigates Vanadium-induced Lung Injury via the TLR4/MAPK/NF-ĸB Pathway in Mice

Background/Aim: Silibinin, has been investigated for its potential benefits and mechanisms in addressing vanadium pentoxide (V2O5)-induced pulmonary inflammation. This study explored the anti-inflammatory activity of silibinin and elucidate the mechanisms by which it operates in a mouse model of vanadium-induced lung injury. Materials and Methods: Eight-week-old male BALB/c mice were exposed to V2O5 to induce lung injury. Mice were pretreated with silibinin at doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. Histological analyses were performed to assess cell viability and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and activation of the MAPK and NF-ĸB signaling pathways, as well as the NLRP3 inflammasome, were evaluated using real-time PCR, western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. Whole blood analysis was conducted to measure white blood cell counts. Results: Silibinin treatment significantly improved cell viability, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in V2O5-induced lung injury. It also notably suppressed the activation of the MAPK and NF-ĸB signaling pathways, along with a marked reduction in NLRP3 inflammasome expression levels in lung tissues. Additionally, silibinin-treated groups exhibited a significant decrease in white blood cell counts, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, and eosinophils. Conclusion: These findings underscore the potent anti-inflammatory effects of silibinin in mice with V2O5-induced lung inflammation, highlighting its therapeutic potential. The study not only confirms the efficacy of silibinin in mitigating inflammatory responses but also provides a foundational understanding of its role in modulating key inflammatory pathways, paving the way for future therapeutic strategies against pulmonary inflammation induced by environmental pollutants.