Role of succinate in airway epithelial cell regulation following traumatic lung injury.

Lung contusion and gastric aspiration (LC and GA) are major risk factors for developing acute respiratory distress following trauma. Hypoxia from lung injury is mainly regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α). Published data from our group indicate that HIF-1α regulation in airway epithelial cells (AEC) drives the acute inflammatory response following LC and GA.

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α-induced regulation of lung injury in pulmonary aspiration is mediated through NF-kB.

Aspiration-induced lung injury is a common grievance encountered in the intensive care unit (ICU). It is a significant risk factor for improving ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is one of the primary transcription factors responsible for regulating the cellular response to changes in oxygen tension.