The effects of Mentha Spicata on oxidative stress and COX-2 gene expression in prevention of sepsis

Mentha Spicata is an Iranian native plant with therapeutic effects. In this study, the effects of M. Spicata essential oils were investigated through considering oxidative injury parameters as well as expression of COX-2 inflammatory gene in lung tissue of experimental cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) rat model. Rats were divided into 5 groups: negative control (lapratomy), CLP, treatment groups with M. Spicata E.O (50 and 100 mg/kg b.w) and indomethacin. Then, 24h after CLP induction, LP, GSH, GST, FRAP, MPO, PGE2 and COX-2 expression were measured in plasma and lung tissues. The data indicated that the sepsis induction reduced GSH, FRAP and increased LP, MPO, PGE2 and COX-2 levels but didn`t affected GST activity. Treatments of rats with E.Os as well as indomethacin were been effective in increasing the GSH, FRAP and decreasing the LP, MPO, PGE2 and COX-2 levels. Histopathological examinations indicated that sepsis caused lung tissue damage which was decreased by E.O treatments. In conclusion, sepsis causes oxidative lung tissue damage and use of M. Spicata can prevent injuries through modulation the oxidative stress/antioxidant parameters.