Paraquat (PQ) is a well-known quaternary nitrogen herbicide. The major target organ in PQ poisoning is the lung. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation play a crucial role in the development of PQ-induced pulmonary injury. Neopterin is synthesized in macrophage by interferon γ and other cytokines. We aimed to evaluate the utility of neopterin as a diagnostic marker in PQ-induced lung toxicity. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups (sham and PQ), administered intraperitoneally 1 mL saline and PQ (15 mg/kg/mL) respectively. Blood samples and lungs were collected for analyses. Lung injury and fibrosis were seen in the PQ group. Serum total antioxidant capacity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and lung transforming growth factor-1β (TGF-1β) levels were significantly higher than the sham group (in all, p < 0.001). In addition, in the PQ group, serum neopterin and lung malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were also significantly higher than the sham group (in all, p = 0.001). Serum neopterin levels were correlated with LDH activities, lung MDA, lung TGF-1β levels, and the degree of lung injury. These findings demonstrated that oxidative stress, reduction of antioxidant capacity, and inflammation play a crucial role in the PQ-induced lung injury. Elevated serum neopterin levels may be a prognostic parameter to determine extends of PQ-induced lung toxicity. Further studies may be performed to clarify the role of neopterin by different doses of PQ.

TNF-α, IL-6, hsCRP and urinary protein concentrations are higher in the DN patients. There were no correlations among pro-inflammatory cytokines concentrations and markers of vascular endotelial disfunction. These findings did not show vascular endothelial dysfunction, but may indicate glomerular endothelial dysfunction.

Our results showed that NAC and OT prevented renal injury in rats and reduced inflammation. These findings suggest that combination of NAC and OT might improve renal damages because of both oxidative stress and inflammation.

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Serum and kidney neopterin levels could be sensible alternative to evaluate the risk to have nephrotoxicity because of APAP overdose. The elevated serum and kidney neopterin in the APAP-induced tubular necrosis might be a marker of acute histological kidney injury.