Abstract
Mechanical ventilation (MV) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infection are common causes of acute lung injury. The aim of the present study was to identify the key genes and potential mechanisms involved in mechanical ventilation (MV) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑induced acute lung injury (ALI). Gene expression data of adult C57BL/6 mice with ALI induced by inhaling LPS, MV and LPS + MV were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with MV, LPS and LPS + MV were screened, followed by functional enrichment analysis, protein‑protein interaction network construction, and prediction of transcription factors and small molecule drugs. Finally, the expression of key genes was verified in vivo using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR. A total of 63, 538 and 1,635 DEGs were associated with MV, LPS and LPS + MV, respectively. MV‑associated genes were significantly enriched in the 'purine ribonucleotide metabolic process'. LPS and LPS + MV‑associated genes were significantly enriched in 'cellular response to cytokine stimulus' and 'cell chemotaxis'. All three conditions were enriched in 'TNF signaling pathway' and 'IL‑17 signaling pathway'. Expression levels of C‑X‑C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)2, CXCL3 and CXCL10 were upregulated in the LPS and LPS + MV groups. Adenosine A2b receptor, zinc finger and BTB domain‑containing 16 and hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 were identified as DEGs in the MV group. Compared with the control group, Early growth response 1 and activating TF 3 was upregulated in all three groups. Similarities and differences were observed among the MV‑ and LPS‑induced ALI, and MV may enhance the effects of LPS on gene expression. MV may affect urine ribonucleotide metabolic‑related processes, whereas LPS may cause cell chemotaxis and cytokine stimulus responses in ALI progression. The inflammatory response was shared by MV and LPS. The results of the present study may provide insight into a theoretical basis for the study and treatment of ALI.