Itaconic acid regulation of TFEB-mediated autophagy flux alleviates hyperoxia-induced bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Background Premature infants often require oxygen supplementation, which can elicit bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and lead to mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria play important roles in lung development, in both normal metabolism and apoptosis. Enhancing our comprehension of the underlying mechanisms in BPD development can facilitate the effective treatments. Methods Plasma samples from BPD and non-BPD infants were collected at 36 weeks post-menstrual age and used for metabolomic analysis. Based on hyperoxia-induced animal and cell models, changes in mitophagy and apoptosis were evaluated following treatment with itaconic acid (ITA). Finally, the mechanism of action of ITA in lung development was comprehensively demonstrated through rescue strategies and administration of corresponding inhibitors. Results An imbalance in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle significantly affected lung development, with ITA serving as a significant metabolic marker for the outcomes of lung development. ITA improved the morphological changes in BPD rats, promoted SP-C expression, and inhibited the degree of alveolar type II epithelial cells (AEC II) apoptosis. Mechanistically, ITA mainly promotes the nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB) to facilitate dysfunctional mitochondrial clearance and reduces apoptosis in AEC II cells by regulating autophagic flux. Conclusion The metabolic imbalance in the TCA cycle is closely related to lung development. ITA can improve lung development by regulating autophagic flux and promote TFEB nuclear translocation of TFEB, implying its potential therapeutic utility in the treatment of BPD.