Rev-erbα can regulate the NF-κB/NALP3 pathway to modulate lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury and inflammation

Progressive lung injury and pulmonary inflammation can be induced by an intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine that can further exaggerate inflammation, which is cleaved and activated by the NALP3 inflammasome. Although the nuclear receptor Rev-erb alpha attenuates the level of LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation, the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the influence of LPS-induced production of IL-1 beta and Rev-erb alpha on the development of lung inflammation. Herein, we demonstrate that Rev-erb alpha reduces IL-1 beta production and lung injury following an intraperitoneal injection of LPS, which is dependent on the NF-kappa B/NALP3 pathway. Thus, Rev-erb alpha is able to decrease the extent of acute lung injury by regulating IL-1 beta production. This mechanism may represent a potential novel therapeutic approach for lung injury.