Lung tissue extracellular matrix‐derived hydrogels protect against radiation‐induced lung injury by suppressing epithelial–mesenchymal transition

Abstract This study aimed to examine whether lung tissue extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogels have protective effects on radiation‐induced lung injury (RILI). The cytocompatibility and histocompatibility were tested for the obtained ECM‐derived hydrogel. Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups ( n = 18): control group (control); rats receiving irradiation and intratracheal injection of normal saline (IR + NS); and rats receiving irradiation and intratracheal injection of lung ECM‐derived hydrogel (IR + ECM). The wet/dry weight ratio was used to evaluate the congestion and edema of the lungs. Histopathological analysis of lung tissues was performed using hemotoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's trichrome staining. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot analyses were carried out to determine the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related proteins in lung tissues (E‐cadherin, α‐smooth muscle actin [α‐SMA], and vimentin). In addition, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), hydroxyproline, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were also evaluated. The ECM‐derived hydrogels had good cytocompatibility and histocompatibility. ECM‐derived hydrogel treatment improved lung histopathology injury and pulmonary edema. Higher expression of E‐cadherin and lower expression of vimentin and α‐SMA were found in the IR + ECM group compared with those in the IR + NS group. Hydroxyproline levels were reduced by ECM‐derived hydrogel treatment compared with those in the IR + NS group. Obvious increases of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and TGF‐β1 were identified following irradiation. Marked reductions in MDA content and increases in SOD were induced by ECM‐derived hydrogel treatment in rats after radiation. ECM‐derived hydrogels were shown to protect against RILI, potentially by reducing EMT, inflammation, and oxidative damage.