# Oroxylin A From Scutellaria baicalensis Improved Pulmonary Fibrosis of Radiation Pneumonia Through Ferroptosis by Nrf2

## TL;DR

Oroxylin A, a compound from Scutellaria baicalensis, reduces lung fibrosis caused by radiation pneumonia by targeting ferroptosis and the Nrf2 pathway.

## Contribution

The study reveals a novel mechanism by which Oroxylin A mitigates radiation-induced lung fibrosis through ferroptosis inhibition and Nrf2 activation.

## Key findings

- Oroxylin A reduced oxidative stress and improved pulmonary fibrosis in a radiation pneumonia model.
- Oroxylin A suppressed ferroptosis and increased Nrf2 protein expression in liver cells.
- Nrf2 inhibition diminished the protective effects of Oroxylin A, confirming its role in the mechanism.

## Abstract

Radiation pneumonitis can result in respiratory dysfunction and progress to radiation fibrosis, and in severe cases, respiratory failure may occur. Hence, we investigated the effects of Oroxylin A from Scutellaria baicalensis in radiation pneumonia (RP) and the underlying mechanism. Oroxylin A improved pulmonary fibrosis, reduced oxidative stress, and promoted cell growth in model of RP. Oroxylin A suppressed ferroptosis and induced Nrf2 protein expressions in liver cells of model of RP. Moreover, Nrf2 inhibitor reduced the effects of Oroxylin A on pulmonary fibrosis in model of RP by oxidative stress. Collectively, these data suggest that Oroxylin A from Scutellaria baicalensis improved pulmonary fibrosis of RP through ferroptosis by Nrf2 axle.