Systematic review and meta-analysis of protective effects of quercetin in animal models of lung fibrosis and possible mechanism
Abstract
Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) is an irreversible progressive lung disease characterised by oxidative stress, inflammation and cellular senescence. Quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and senolytic properties, has shown beneficial effects in preclinical models of lung fibrosis. This study aimed to systematically review available evidence evaluating the efficacy of quercetin or its derivatives, alone or in combination, in preclinical models of PF to consolidate current knowledge and assess its therapeutic potential using PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024520954). PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched, data was extracted and analyzed using JAMOVI and risk of bias tools. Literature search yielded 361 studies of which 24 with total of 570 animals were included for analysis. Quercetin, either alone or in combination, significantly reduced fibrotic scores and the expression of fibrosis-related biomarkers. This reduction appeared to be mediated through the attenuation of inflammation and oxidative stress. However, senolytic potential of quercetin could not be conclusively determined. Although the results suggest beneficial effect of quercetin in preclinical lung fibrotic model, but risk of bias assessment and heterogeneity in the studies warrant further efficacy studies before considering its therapeutic potential for PF.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in animal, not in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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