Sex-specific differences in lung mitochondrial function and injury in rats exposed to hyperoxia

Journal of Applied Physiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Pardis Taheri, Abraham Taye, Devanshi Dave, Elizabeth R. Jacobs, Guru Prasad Sharma, Anne V. Clough, Ranjan K. Dash, Said H. Audi
DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01165.2025
Cited by: 2
References: 89

Abstract

We investigated sex-specific responses to hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury (HALI) in rats. Female rats exhibited attenuated severity, with less pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, and apoptosis than males. Studies in isolated mitochondria, lung tissue homogenates, and isolated lungs indicate that this attenuated severity is associated with mitochondrial adaptations and enhanced tissue H 2 O 2 scavenging capacity. These findings underscore the importance of sex as a biological variable and identify mitochondrial complex II as a potential HALI therapeutic target.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Respiratory Support and Mechanisms Mitochondrial Function and Pathology Immune Response and Inflammation

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Applied Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
140
Issue
5
Pages
1230–1250
Publication date
4 April 2026
Language
EN