Polyvinylalcohol-carbazate mitigates acute lung injury caused by hydrochloric acid

Abstract Background Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), are important causes of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Gastric contents aspiration is one of the most common causes of ALI/ARDS. To date, there are still no specific and effective pharmacological treatments for ALI/ARDS. Polyvinylalcohol-carbazate (PVAC), a polymer that has the ability to bind endogenous aldehydes, neutralize oxidative stress and inhibit inflammatory factors, may be a potential treatment for ALI/ARDS. Methods A hydrochloric acid (HCl) induced mouse model were employed to assess the effect of PVAC. The changes of lung mechanics, pulmonary edema, histology and immune cells, cytokines, and lipid mediators in bronchioalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were investigated in HCl-challenged mice. Results In the HCl model, PVAC administration alleviated airway hyperresponsiveness and improved pulmonary edema and damage. In addition, it decreased the recruitment of neutrophils to the lung, and inhibited the increase of IL-6, TNF-α and leukotriene B4. Conclusions PVAC is a potential treatment for ALI/ARDS caused by inhalation of gastric acid.