CpG ODN对小鼠哮喘模型气道炎症及信号转导子和转录激活子6（STAT6）表达的影响

目的：研究寡核甘酸免疫刺激序列（CpG oligonucleotides,CpG ODN）对急性支气管哮喘小鼠气道炎症及信号转导子和转录激活子6（STAT6）表达的调控作用。方法：将32只雄性BALB／c小鼠随机分为对照组、哮喘组、地塞米松干预组和CpG ODN干预组,建立急性哮喘气道炎症模型。对支气管肺泡灌洗液（BALF）进行细胞总数、嗜酸粒细胞（EOS）分类计数;取左叶肺组织切片做HE染色观察气道和肺组织炎症改变;用免疫组织化学法检测气道上皮组织中STAT6表达。结果：哮喘组小鼠BALF中细胞总数、EOS绝对值显著高于对照组（P〈0．05）,地塞米松组和CpG ODN组上述炎症细胞计数比哮喘组明显减少（P〈0．05）。HE染色示地塞米松组和CpG ODN组小鼠肺组织炎症程度较哮喘组减轻。STAT6在气道上皮细胞表达,哮喘组气道上皮细胞中STAT6表达较对照组增强,地塞米松组和CpG ODN组STAT6表达与哮喘组比较有明显减少（P〈0．05）,较对照组增加。支气管上皮细胞STAT6蛋白表达与BALF中的EOS绝对值呈显著正相关（r=0．748）,而地塞米松组和CpG ODN组之间的作用无统计学差异（P〉0．05）。结论：应用地塞米松和CpG ODN均可在一定程度上减轻哮喘小鼠的气道炎症,CpG ODN可能通过下调肺组织中STAT6蛋白的过度表达,从而抑制依赖于STAT6/IL-4通路的急性气道炎症,减轻哮喘的症状。     

银杏叶总黄酮对哮喘小鼠模型支气管肺泡灌洗液中嗜酸性粒细胞凋亡的影响

本研究考察了银杏叶总黄酮(FG)对哮喘小鼠模型支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中嗜酸性粒细胞(EOS)凋亡的影响。采用卵白蛋白致敏的方法建立小鼠的哮喘模型，雾化给药2周后处死小鼠，收集BALF，白细胞分类计数，纯化细胞后进行AO/EB荧光染色考察FG对EOS凋亡形态的影响，细胞分离后进行流式细胞检测考察FG对EOS凋亡比例的影响。FG可明显减少哮喘小鼠的白细胞总数和EOS数目；FG治疗组EOS凋亡形态的细胞明显增多，凋亡细胞的比例明显增加，与模型组比较有显著性差异。FG能通过诱导EOS的凋亡来减少BALF的EOS数目，可能是FG拮抗哮喘炎症的一个重要机制。     

畅肺防喘方对哮喘模型大鼠支气管肺泡灌洗液中白细胞及嗜酸性粒细胞的影响

目的 观察畅肺防喘方对大鼠支气管肺泡灌洗液（BALF）中白细胞（WBC）及嗜酸性粒细胞（eosinophils,EOS）的影响. 方法 SD雄性大鼠60只,随机分为6组,每组10只. 大鼠于第1天皮下注射含卵蛋白1 mg,氢氧化铝200 mg的0.9%氯化钠溶液1 mL,同时腹腔注射百日咳杆菌疫苗6×10⁹个作免疫增强剂. 正常对照组仅腹腔注射0.9%氯化钠溶液1 mL. 第15天雾化吸入2%卵蛋白激发,qd,每次30 min,连续7 d. 正常对照组吸入0.9%氯化钠溶液. 低、中和高剂量药物组于致敏后第8天开始灌胃给药,分别给予畅肺防喘方大、中、小剂量,相当于生药33.8,16.9,8.5 g•kg^-1•d^-1,分早晚2次给药; 阳性对照组给予地塞米松0.75 mg•kg^-1•d^-1; 正常对照组和模型对照组给予等量0.9%氯化钠溶液,给药容积为20 mL•kg^-1,连续7 d. 观察WBC及EOS的变化. 结果 模型对照组BALF中WBC总数、EOS及百分比与正常对照组比较,均明显升高（P＜0.01）,说明哮喘模型大鼠炎症反应较强; 经过治疗后,WBC总数、EOS及百分比均明显降低,说明炎症反应减轻,其中高、中剂量药物及地塞米松均可降低显著模型大鼠肺泡灌洗液中的WBC及EOS（P＜0.05或P＜0.01）. 结论 畅肺防喘方可显著抑制哮喘大鼠BALF中炎症细胞上升,尤其是对EOS的抑制作用更为明显,说明其治疗和预防作用可能通过降低炎症反应,降低EOS水平,起到抗气道炎症反应作用.     

黄芪甲苷对慢性哮喘模型小鼠气道重塑的影响

目的观察黄芪甲苷对慢性哮喘小鼠模型气道重塑的影响。方法 48只BALB/c小鼠按随机原则分成正常对照组、哮喘组、黄芪甲苷组、布地奈德组,每组12只。卵蛋白致敏,气道激发8周。黄芪甲苷组和布地奈德组分别给予黄芪甲苷溶液(50 mg·kg-1)灌胃,布地奈德混悬液(8 ml)雾化,每日1次,共8周。末次激发24 h后,每组取6只小鼠评价呼气阻力,支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)观察炎症细胞计数,HE染色和Masson染色观察气道炎症和上皮下纤维化情况,ELISA检测BALF中血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)水平,免疫组织化学检测α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)和VEGF蛋白表达。结果黄芪甲苷能够明显抑制慢性哮喘小鼠模型的气道炎症、气道高反应性和气道重塑。黄芪甲苷治疗后哮喘小鼠BALF中VEGF含量明显降低,哮喘小鼠肺组织高表达的α-SMA和VEGF蛋白水平也明显降低。结论黄芪甲苷能够抑制慢性哮喘小鼠模型的气道重塑,其机制可能通过抑制VEGF表达而实现。     

肝X受体在百草枯致急性肺损伤小鼠肺组织中的表达及作用

目的研究肝X受体(Liver X receptors,LXRs)在百草枯(Paraquat,PQ)致急性肺损伤小鼠肺组织中的表达情况及保护作用。方法 48只雄性c57小鼠随机分为6组,对照组:0.1 m L生理盐水腹腔注射;A组(TO901317低剂量对照组):5 mg/kg TO901317腹腔注射;B组(TO901317高剂量对照组):20 mg/kg TO901317腹腔注射;C组(百草枯染毒组):百草枯28 mg/kg腹腔注射;D组(TO901317低剂量预处理组):百草枯染毒前0.5 h给予TO901317 5 mg/kg腹腔注射;E组(TO901317高剂量预处理组):百草枯染毒前0.5 h给予TO90131720 mg/kg腹腔注射。在百草枯染毒后72 h处死小鼠,收集肺组织及肺泡灌洗液标本。肺组织取出后测定肺湿重/干重比,肺组织切片后HE染色进行肺损伤评分,采用ELISA方法检测肺泡灌洗液中IL-1β和TNF-α含量,Western blot方法检测肺组织中LXRs(LXRα和LXRβ)及Toll样受体4(TLR-4)的表达。结果对照组小鼠肺组织中可检测到较高水平的LXRα和LXRβ表达,与对照组相比,百草枯中毒组小鼠LXRα和LXRβ表达明显减少,肺湿重/干重比及肺损伤评分显著增加,肺泡灌洗液中IL-1β和TNF-α含量明显增高,TLR-4表达明显增加。上述改变在TO901317预处理组明显减轻,减轻程度与TO901317剂量有关。结论肝X受体可以在正常小鼠肺组织的中表达,百草枯中毒可显著抑制肝X受体在小鼠肺组织中表达,应用LXRs激动剂TO901317能明显减轻百草枯导致的小鼠急性肺损伤程度,这一作用可能与LXRs抑制TLR-4在肺组织中的表达有关。     

丹皮酚对急性哮喘模型小鼠胸腺基质淋巴细胞生成素表达的影响

目的观察丹皮酚对急性哮喘小鼠模型气道炎症以及对胸腺基质淋巴细胞生成素(TSLP)表达的影响。方法 BALB/c小鼠48只随机分成正常对照组、哮喘模型组、丹皮酚组、布地奈德组,每组12只。卵蛋白致敏,气道激发,丹皮酚组给予丹皮酚100 mg/kg灌胃,1次/d,末次激发24 h后,检测各组小鼠气道反应性。HE染色观察气道炎症变化;采用ELISA观察支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中IL-4、IL-13和血清总IgE的表达,real-time PCR观察TSLP的表达,Western-blot观察TSLP蛋白表达。结果哮喘组小鼠气道炎症和气道高反应性明显加重,丹皮酚能够显著抑制慢性哮喘小鼠模型的气道炎症和气道高反应性,哮喘BALF中Th2细胞因子IL-4、IL-13和血清总IgE含量显著降低。丹皮酚治疗后哮喘小鼠肺组织高表达的TSLP的mRNA和蛋白水平显著降低。结论丹皮酚能够抑制哮喘小鼠模型的气道炎症和气道高反应性,其机制可能通过抑制TSLP的的表达而实现。     

砒石对哮喘小鼠胞质型磷脂酶A2基因表达及白三烯C4的影响

目的:探讨胞质型磷脂酶A2(cPLA2)mRNA表达、白三烯C4(TLC4)在哮喘发病中的作用及其相互关系,以及砒石对哮喘的治疗作用。方法:建立小鼠卵蛋白哮喘模型,砒石灌胃给药,用逆转录聚合酶链反应方法检测肺组织中cPLA2mRNA表达;ELISA方法检测支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中LTC4含量;微量滴定法测定BALF中PLA2活性。应用新航YP200型压力换能器及Medlab生物信号采集系统检测小鼠肺功能Pmax和T呼T总。结果:哮喘小鼠肺组织cPLA2基因表达水平、BALF中PLA2活性、LTC4水平均较对照组显著升高。0.625、1.25、2.50及5.00mg·kg-1剂量的砒石可下调哮喘小鼠cPLA2mRNA表达,抑制哮喘小鼠BALF中PLA2活性和降低LTC4水平,改善哮喘小鼠肺功能。结论:支气管肺组织中cPLA2基因表达上调、PLA2活性和LTC4水平增高在卵蛋白(OVA)致敏小鼠哮喘发病中起着重要作用。砒石可显著抑制哮喘小鼠肺组织中cPLA2基因的表达,降低哮喘小鼠PLA2活性和降低LTC4水平,改善哮喘小鼠肺功能,具有抗哮喘活性。     

泡桐花挥发油抗支气管哮喘变应性炎症的实验研究

目的通过豚鼠哮喘模型研究泡桐花挥发油抗哮喘气道变应性炎症的作用。方法以卵蛋白致敏豚鼠为动物模型,灌胃途径予以泡桐花挥发油大、小剂量,观察各组豚鼠支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中炎性细胞和嗜酸性粒细胞(EOS)、嗜酸性粒细胞趋化因子(Eotaxin)的改变。结果泡桐花挥发油大剂量[1.2g/(kg.d)]及小剂量[0.6g/(kg.d)]均可不同程度地抑制BALF中的EOS和炎性细胞总数及气道Eotaxin的过度表达。结论泡桐花挥发油可能通过抑制哮喘动物气道中EOS的趋化、聚集而具有一定的抗哮喘气道变应性炎症的作用。     

异丁司特对哮喘豚鼠气道嗜酸性粒细胞凋亡的作用及其机制

研究异丁司特 (ibudilast) 对哮喘豚鼠气道嗜酸性粒细胞 (eosinophil, EOS) 凋亡的作用及其机制。采用卵白蛋白致敏法制备豚鼠哮喘模型。收集支气管肺泡灌洗液 (BALF) 并进行白细胞计数及分类计数, TUNEL技术原位检测EOS凋亡, RT-PCR技术检测EOS的Fas mRNA表达, 酶联免疫吸附 (ELISA) 法测定BALF中粒细胞-巨噬细胞刺激因子 (GM-CSF) 及白介素-5 (IL-5) 的含量。结果表明, 异丁司特可明显减少哮喘豚鼠的白细胞总数和EOS数目; 在异丁司特剂量组, EOS凋亡细胞明显增多, Fas mRNA的表达显著增强, BALF中GM-CSF、IL-5含量显著降低, 与模型组比较有显著性差异。因此, 异丁司特抑制哮喘豚鼠气道EOS数目的增加、诱导EOS凋亡、增强Fas mRNA的表达、降低GM-CSF、IL-5含量可能是其拮抗哮喘的重要机制。     

银杏内酯吸入剂对哮喘模型豚鼠气管嗜酸性粒细胞浸润的影响

目的:探讨银杏内酯吸入剂对哮喘模型豚鼠气道嗜酸性粒细胞浸润的影响。方法:将豚鼠随机分为7组,每组8只,分别为哮喘模型组,银杏内酯吸入剂低、中、高剂量组(剂量分别为5、10、20mg·kg-1),银杏内酯腹腔注射(ip)组(剂量为20mg·kg-1),地塞米松组(剂量为10mg·kg-1)和正常对照组,计数肺灌注液(BALF)和支气管中的嗜酸性粒细胞(EOS)数。结果:与正常对照组比较,模型组BALF中的EOS显著增多,银杏内酯吸入剂组可显著减少BALF和支气管中的EOS浸润数(P<0.05)。结论:银杏内酯吸入剂能对抗哮喘豚鼠气道嗜酸性粒细胞浸润,可作为治疗支气管哮喘的一种新方法。     

Airway inflammation and remodeling of cigarette smoking exposure ovalbumin-induced asthma is alleviated by CpG oligodeoxynucleotides via affecting dendritic cell-mediated Th17 polarization

Cigarette smoking (CS) is common in asthma, aggravating inflammatory reactions. However, the current treatment strategies for asthma are still not effective enough, and novel therapeutic approaches are required for CS-induced asthmatic disorders. We here investigated the ability of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) to inhibit airway inflammation and remodeling in ovalbumin (OVA)-associated asthma in mice exposed to chronic CS, revealing potential mechanistic insights. Lung tissue specimens were histologically analyzed. Th1/Th2/Th17 associated cytokines in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung specimens were quantitated by ELISA, qRT-PCR and immunoblot. Parameters of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) functions were evaluated as well. The results showed that BALB/c mice after CS and OVA treatments developed an asthmatic phenotype with airway inflammation involving both eosinophils and neutrophils, goblet cell metaplasia, airway remodeling, and elevated OVA-specific serum IgE, serum IL-17A, and BALF Th17/Th2 associated cytokines. CpG-ODNs and budesonide were found to synergistically inhibit inflammatory cell recruitment in the lung, airway remodeling, IgE synthesis, and Th17/Th2 associated cytokines. Mechanistically, CpG-ODNs and budesonide acted synergistically on BMDCs via downregulation of TSLP receptor (TSLPR) and IL-23 production, and subsequently contributed to dampen Th17/Th2 polarization in CS-associated asthma. In conclusion, combined administration of CpG-ODNs and budesonide, in a synergistic manner, inhibits airway inflammation, and tissue remodeling mediated by BMDCs by regulating IL-23 secretion and blocking TSLP signaling, which subsequently contribute to alleviate Th17/Th2 imbalance in CS-associated asthma.     

环境真菌链格孢霉对小鼠Th1/Th2平衡及气道反应性的影响

目的 探讨环境真菌链格孢霉（Alt,Alternaria）对小鼠Th1/Th2平衡及气道反应性的影响.方法 通过将小鼠暴露于链格孢霉提取物建立小鼠模型,以鸡卵蛋白（OVA）为阳性对照,探索真菌链格孢霉对Th1/Th2平衡及哮喘特征性指标的影响.结果 与OVA相似,Alt暴露引起了气道炎症细胞总数（P＜0.01）、嗜酸性细胞数增加（P＜0.01）;诱导了气道敏化和Th2反应并引起肺部和支气管的病理学变化.Alt与OVA间存在协同作用.结论 实验结果表明,环境真菌可通过干扰气道Th1/Th2平衡继而导致炎症,最终引起哮喘的发生.     

Copaiba oil suppresses inflammation in asthmatic lungs of BALB/c mice induced with ovalbumin

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that represents high hospitalizations and deaths in world. Copaiba oil (CO) is popularly used for relieving asthma symptoms and has already been shown to be effective in many inflammation models. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory relationship of CO in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma. The composition of CO sample analyzed by GC and GC–MS and the toxicity test was performed in mice at doses of 50 or 100 mg/kg (by gavage). After, the experimental model of allergic asthma was induced with OVA and mice were orally treated with CO in two pre-established doses. The inflammatory infiltrate was evaluated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), while cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α), IgE antibody and nitric oxide (NO) production was evaluated in BALF and lung homogenate (LH) of mice, together with the histology and histomorphometry of the lung tissue. CO significantly attenuated the number of inflammatory cells in BALF, suppressing NO production and reducing the response mediated by TH2 and TH17 (T helper) cells in both BALF and LH. Histopathological and histomorphometric analysis confirmed that CO significantly reduced the numbers of inflammatory infiltrate in the lung tissue, including in the parenchyma area. Our results indicate that CO has an effective in vivo antiasthmatic effect.     

The effects of chrysophanol on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced chronic lung toxicology by inhibiting Th17 response

Chrysophanol (CH), extracted from plants of Rheum genus, possesses various pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects and the underlying mechanisms of CH on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in mice. Fifty mice were randomly assigned to five experimental groups: control group, model group, dexamethasone (2?mg/kg) group and CH (5 and 10?mg/kg) groups. The number of eosinophil cells and the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, IL-17?A and tumor necrosis factor-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured. In addition, pulmonary histopathology, airway resistance (Raw), T-helper17 (Th17) cells frequency and RORγt expression were evaluated. Our study demonstrated that CH effectively decreased eosinophil count and inflammatory cytokines production in BALF. In addition, treatment with CH significantly inhibited the Raw, Th17 percentage and RORγt expression in OVA-induced animals compared with those in model group. Histological studies also demonstrated that CH significantly suppressed OVA-induced eosinophilia in lung tissue compared with model group. Our findings supported that CH can prevent allergic asthma in the mouse model.     

Research on pharmacological mechanism of the treatment of Asthma by oral Bordetella pertussis

Objective To examine the effect of oral Bordetella pertussis on the asthma mice sensitized by ovalbumin(OVA),and explore the possible mechanism.Methods Culture the B.pertussis in Bordet-Gengou agar containing 25% rabbit blood.Collect the bacteria and inactive them at 80 ℃ for 30 min to get whole killed B.pertussis.32 BALB/C mice were randomly divided into control group,model-control group,model group and treatment group.The mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA to establish asthma model.Asthma mice in treatment group were orally administrated with B.pertussis 7 days before sensitization.The mice in control group and model-control group were challenged with saline.After 24 hours of last challenge,bronchoaveolar lavage fluid(BALF)and peripheral blood were collected.The total cells and eosinophils were counted in BALF.Results Compared with the control group(2.03±0.42,0.33±0.82)×105 mL-1 and model-control group(2.16±0.48,0.16±0.41)×105 mL-1,the total cells(10.13±1.33)×105 mL-1 and eosinophils(11.83±4.573)×105 mL-1 in BALF were more in asthma mice(P<0.01).The number of total cells(5.50±1.55)×105 mL-1 and eosinophils(0.66±0.82)×105 mL-1 in BALF were reduced in asthma mice treated with B.pertussis compared with asthma mice(P<0.01).Conclusions Oral B.pertussis can inhabit airway inflammation of asthma mice and has the potential of treating asthma.     

Tiron ameliorates oxidative stress and inflammation in a murine model of airway remodeling

Airway remodeling includes lung structural changes that have a role in the irreversibility of pulmonary dysfunction shown in chronic bronchial asthmatics. The current experiment investigated the effect of the mitochondrial antioxidant, tiron in comparison with dexamethasone (DEXA) on airway remodeling in chronic asthma. Sensitized BALB/c mice were challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) aerosol for 8 weeks, OVA sensitized-challenged mice were treated with either DEXA or tiron, respectively. After that, lung tissue and bronchoaveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were used for measurement of different biological markers. Lungs were examined for histopathological changes and immunohistochemistry. Upon comparing with vehicle treated animals, trion or DEXA treatment significantly reduced eosinophils, lymphocytes, neutrophils and macrophages count in the BALF. Both drugs significantly alleviated chronic OVA-induced oxidative stress as illustrated by decreased pulmonary malondialdenhyde (MDA) and increased glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Asthmatic mice exhibited elevated levels of NOx, IL-13 and TGF-β1 that were reduced by DEXA and tiron. Histopathological changes and increased immunoreactivity of nuclear factor-Kappa B (NF-κ B) in OVA-challenged mice were minimized by tiron and DEXA treatment. In conclusion, in this model of chronic asthma DEXA and tiron ameliorated airway remodeling and inflammation in experimental chronic asthma with no difference between the effect of tiron and DEXA. Tiron has a potential role as adjuvant treatment in chronic asthma.     

Effects of astragaloside IV on IFN-gamma level and prolonged airway dysfunction in a murine model of chronic asthma

Astragaloside IV (AST) is the main active constituent of Radix Astragali, a Chinese herb traditionally used to prevent asthma attack from chronic asthma patients. Its efficacy and action mechanisms in asthma attack prevention remain nonetheless to be further explored. In this study, chronic asthma was induced exposing ovalbumin (OVA) sensitized mice to repeated OVA challenges twice every two weeks for 12 weeks. Mice were treated with AST for 4 weeks just after the final challenge. In this murine model of chronic asthma, the airway dysfunction and remodeling remained severe and was accompanied with suppression of the IFN-gamma level in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) even four weeks after the final challenge, indicating that the airway structural changes continued to develop even after interruption of OVA challenges. However, after AST treatment, the airway hyperresponsiveness was sharply relieved, accompanied by the reduction of collagen deposition and mucus production, meanwhile the inflammatory cells were decreased but the IFN-gamma level increased in BALF. In conclusion, AST could prevent the development of chronic asthma, thus reducing asthma attacks. Our results indicated that it should be used as a supplementary therapy on preventing asthma attacks from chronic asthma patients.     

卡介菌多糖核酸对哮喘小鼠胸腺活化调节趋化因子及mRNA表达的影响

目的观察卡介菌多糖核酸(BCG-PSN)对小鼠哮喘胸腺活化调节趋化因子(thymus and activation regulated chemo-kine,TARC)及mRNA表达的影响。方法以卵清白蛋白(OVA)致敏和激发建立小鼠哮喘模型。30只清洁级♂Balb/c小鼠随机分为3组,每组10只:正常对照组、哮喘组、BCG-PSN治疗组。末次激发24h后留取支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)及肺组织。BALF行细胞计数及分类;应用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)法测定BALF中TARC、IL-4和IFN-γ蛋白的浓度;光镜观察肺组织病理变化;逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法测定肺组织中TARC mRNA的表达;采用免疫组织化学法测定肺组织中TARC蛋白的表达。结果与正常对照组相比,哮喘组BALF中细胞总数、嗜酸粒细胞(EOS)绝对值及百分比、TARC和IL-4浓度、肺组织中TARC蛋白及mRNA的表达均增高,BALF中IFN-γ浓度低于正常对照组。经BCG-PSN干预后,BALF中细胞总数、EOS绝对数及百分比,TARC、IL-4浓度较哮喘组均下降,肺组织中TARC蛋白及mRNA的表达较哮喘组均下调,BALF中IFN-γ浓度较哮喘组增高。免疫组化显示TARC蛋白主要表达于支气管上皮细胞。BALF中TARC浓度与EOS绝对值、IL-4浓度呈正相关。结论卡介菌多糖核酸可降低TARC在肺组织中的表达,降低气道炎症。     

Effect of Syringic acid on antioxidant biomarkers and associated inflammatory markers in mice model of asthma

Asthma is termed as the induction of chronic inflammation in the airway lumen of lungs due to accumulation of inflammatory cells which affects normal breathing process. Prolonged accumulation of inflammatory cells leads to oxidative stress and suppression of antioxidant activities. Therefore, in our present investigation, a potential phenolic compound, Syringic acid was tested for the suppression of inflammatory markers toward an antiasthmatic activity in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice model. As a result, the Syringic acid treatment was found to suppress the inflammatory cells; eosinophil, neutrophil, macrophage, lymphocyte, and other inflammatory markers including IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and TNF-α in the BALF of OVA-induced asthmatic mice. Similarly, IgE levels were significantly reduced in the blood serum of Syringic acid treated mice groups. In this context, the IFN-γ levels were found enhanced in the BALF of Syringic acid treated asthmatic mice groups, expressing an anti-inflammatory response. Enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants such as SOD, CAT, and GSH levels were found high in the Syringic acid treatment than the asthmatic control group, which depicts the antioxidant response of Syringic acid on asthmatic groups. Intriguingly, the ROS, NO₂, NO₃, and MDA levels were inhibited in the BALF of Syringic acid treated mice groups. The airway hyper-reactivity (AHR) was comparatively normal in the Syringic acid treatment as it was severe in the case of asthmatic control group. Consequently, the effect of Syringic acid is prominent in the treatment of asthma by controlling the accumulation of inflammatory cells, other inflammatory markers along with enhancement of antioxidant markers, suppression of ROS and controlling airway hyperreactivity. Hence, Syringic acid may be recommended for clinical trials in the treatment of asthma.     

Therapeutic effects of anti-B7-1 antibody in an ovalbumin-induced mouse asthma model

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of airways, which is characterized by attacks provoked by exposure to so-called asthma triggers, such as pet dander, second-hand tobacco smoke, dust mites, and mold spores. B7-1 (CD80), perhaps one of the most studied co-stimulatory molecules involved in asthma, plays a key role in regulating allergen-induced T cell activation in asthma, probably through T cell recruitment and Th cell differentiation upon allergen provocation. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that anti-B7-1 antibody has therapeutic effects in asthma by blocking B7-1/CD28 pathway. The asthma model was established by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenging in female Balb/c mice. One hour after the last induction, mice were sacrificed and whole lung lavage was conducted. Cell numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined and the expression levels of IFN-gamma and IL-4 in supernatant were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Sedimental cells smears were stained with Wright's-Gimsa mixed coloring method. The B7-1 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry method with frozen tissue sections. The anti-B7-1 antibody treatment could alleviate asthmatic syndromes induced by OVA. The number of recoverable eosinophils in BALF in the anti-B7-1 antibody treated group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.01) and the eosinophils peribronchial infiltration was remarkably reduced in anti-B7-1 treated asthmatic mice, based on histological evaluation. The treatment with the anti-B7-1 antibody induced IFN-gamma expression and decreased IL-4 expression, compared with the asthmatic control group (P<0.01). In conclusion, the anti-B7-1 antibody approach may provide a novel therapy for allergic asthma.