Abstract:

Objectives: This experimental study investigated the preventive effects of Celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, on lung injury induced by intra-abdominal sepsis in rats. The study assessed Celecoxib's potential to mitigate the harmful impacts of sepsis on lung tissue. Methods: Thirty male Wistar albino rats, divided into three groups: a normal control group, a sepsis-induced group treated with saline, and a sepsis-induced group treated with Celecoxib. Sepsis was induced using fecal intraperitoneal injection (FIP), followed by a one-hour administration of Celecoxib at 50 mg/kg/day to the treatment group. Biochemical analysis of lung tissue measured oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA]) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (Tumor Necrosis Faftor-α [TNF-α]). Histopathological examination evaluated lung tissue damage, encompassing alveolar congestion, hemorrhage, inflammatory cell aggregation, and edema. Arterial blood gas analysis quantified partial oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2) pressures. Results: Celecoxib-treated rats exhibited reduced oxidative stress markers with lower MDA levels, indicating decreased oxidative damage in lung tissue. Moreover, TNF-α and other pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced in lung tissues of Celecoxib-treated rats, indicating its anti-inflammatory effects. Histopathological examination revealed reduced lung tissue damage in Celecoxib-treated rats, including alveolar congestion, hemorrhage, and inflammatory cell aggregation. Arterial blood gas analysis showed improved oxygenation (PaO2) in the Celecoxib-treated group compared to untreated sepsis rats. Conclusions: Celecoxib demonstrated preventive effects against sepsis-induced lung injury in rats by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby preserving lung tissue integrity—further research, including clinical trials, to validate its effectiveness and safety in human sepsis management.

Keywords: