Gentiopicroside Ameliorates Sepsis‐Induced Acute Lung Injury via Inhibiting Inflammatory Response

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory reaction syndrome caused by infections. Acute lung injury (ALI) occurs first and most frequently in patients with sepsis. Gentiopicroside (GPS), which originates mostly from Gentiana, is classified as a secoiridoid glycosides. Terpenoid glycosides have various biological effects, including liver protection, blood glucose and cholesterol level management, and anti‐inflammatory and antitumor effects. However, presently, the biochemical foundation and mechanism of the anti‐inflammatory effects of GPS in sepsis‐induced ALI have not been explained. In the present study, we established a rat model of sepsis ALI induced by cecal ligation and puncture. This enables us to observe the effects of GPS therapy, which significantly reduced the inflammatory response (TNF‐ α , IL‐1 β , and IL‐6), nitrogen stress, oxidative stress, and severity of ALI at both the whole animal and molecular levels. In addition, GPS ameliorates LPS‐induced ALI via regulation of inflammatory response and cell proptosis in BEAS‐2B. This study provides a theoretical basis for treating sepsis‐induced ALI with GPS.