Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of losartan in regulating oxidative stress and the underlying mechanism in mice
with ventilator-induced lung injury. Methods Thirty-six male C57 mice were randomly divided into control group, losartan
treatment group, mechanical ventilation model group, and ventilation plus losartan treatment group. After the corresponding
treatments, the lung injuries in each group were examined and the expressions of caveolin-1 and NOX4 in the lung tissues were
detected. Results The mean Smith score of lung injury was significantly higher in mechanical ventilation model group (3.3)
than in the control group (0.4), and losartan treatment group (0.3); the mean score was significantly lowered in ventilation
plus losartan treatment group (2.3) compared with that in the model group (P<0.05). The expressions of caveolin-1 and NOX4
were significantly higher in the model group than in the control and losartan treatment groups (P<0.05) but was obviously
lowered after losartan treatment (P<0.05). Co-expression of caveolin-1 and NOX4 in the lungs was observed in the model
group, and was significantly decreased after losartan treatment. Conclusions Losartan can alleviate ventilator-induced lung
injury in mice and inhibit the expression of caveolin-1 and NOX4 and their interaction in the lungs.