A pyrazole derivative of curcumin enhances memory

Reduced cognitive function is associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases as well as brain trauma and ischemia. However, there are few compounds that enhance memory and are also orally active. We recently synthesized a pyrazole derivative of curcumin called CNB-001 that enhances the activity of Ca(2+)/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). Since CaMKII plays a central role in long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory, it was asked if CNB-001 can facilitate the induction of LTP in rat hippocampal slices and enhance memory in a rat object recognition test. It is shown that CNB-001 enhances both LTP and memory.     

The effects of nodakenin on airway inflammation,hyper-responsiveness and remodeling in a murine model of allergic asthma

Context: Nodakenin is a major coumarin glucoside in the root of Peucedanum decursivum Maxim, a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of asthma and chronic bronchitis for thousands of years.

Objective: In this work, the anti-asthma potential of nodakenin was studied by investigation of its effect to suppress airway inflammation, hyper-responsiveness and remodeling in a murine model of chronic asthma.

Materials and methods: BALB/c mice sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) were challenged with aerosolized OVA for 8 weeks, orally administered with nodakenin at doses of 5, 10 and 20?mg/kg before each OVA challenge.

Results: Compared with the model group, nodakenin treatment markedly inhibited airway inflammation, hyper-responsiveness and remodeling, showing improvement in subepithelial fibrosis, smooth muscle hypertrophy, and goblet cell hyperplasia, and decreased levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13 and matrix metalloproteinase-2/-9 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the level of OVA-specific IgE in serum. In addition, the NF-κB DNA-binding activity in lung tissues was also reduced by nodakenin treatment.

Conclusions: These data indicated that nodakenin might mitigate the development of chronic experimental allergic asthma.     

The effect of allergen-induced airway inflammation on airway remodeling in a murine model of allergic asthma

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: We examined the effect of airway inflammation on airway remodeling and bronchial responsiveness in a mouse model of allergic asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BALB/c mice were sensitized to ovalbumin (OA), and exposed to aerosolized OA (0.01, 0.1 and 1%). Twenty-four hours after the final antigen challenge, bronchial responsiveness was measured, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and histological examinations were carried out. RESULTS: Repeated antigen exposure induced airway inflammation, IgE/IgG1 responses, epithelial changes, collagen deposition in the lungs, subepithelial fibrosis associated with increases in the amount of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 in BAL fluid (BALF), and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to acetylcholine. The number of eosinophils in BALF was significantly correlated with TGF-beta1 production in BALF and the amount of hydroxyproline. Furthermore, significant correlations were found between these fibrogenic parameters and the bronchial responsiveness. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated that in this murine model airway eosinophilic inflammation is responsible for the development of airway remodeling as well as bronchial hyperresponsiveness in allergic bronchial asthma.     

Nature of airway inflammation and remodeling in chronic cough

BACKGROUND: Chronic cough may be a result of asthma and non-asthma causes, but it is unclear whether there are specific inflammatory or remodeling changes. OBJECTIVE: We determined airway mucosal changes in patients presenting with asthmatic cough and cough associated with non-asthmatic causes. METHODS: Patients with chronic cough of non-asthmatic (n=33; postnasal drip/rhinitis in 6, gastroesophageal reflux in 5, bronchiectasis in 3, and idiopathic in 19) and asthmatic (n=14) causes and 15 healthy controls underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Morphometry of bronchial biopsies and capsaicin cough sensitivity were assessed. RESULTS: Compared with controls, submucosal eosinophils and neutrophils were increased in patients with asthmatic cough (P<.005) and submucosal mast cells in patients with non-asthmatic cough (P=.01). Sub-basement membrane thickness, goblet cell area, vascularity, and vessel size were also increased in both groups. Smooth muscle area was higher only in patients with non-asthmatic cough (P=.0007 vs control and P=.019 vs asthmatic cough). None of the pathologic changes were related to the duration of coughing. Cough sensitivity was heightened in patients with non-asthmatic cough compared with controls and patients with asthmatic cough. The degree of goblet cell hyperplasia and epithelial shedding positively correlated with cough sensitivity in patients with non-asthmatic cough (r=0.43; P=.01; and r=0.40; P=.02, respectively). CONCLUSION: Features of airway wall remodeling are prominent in the airways with non-asthmatic as well as asthmatic cough. These are linked to chronic cough rather than to asthma. Mast cell hyperplasia rather than eosinophilia is distinctive for non-asthmatic cough.     

Oral tolerance attenuates airway inflammation and remodeling in a model of chronic pulmonary allergic inflammation

We investigated the effects of oral tolerance (OT) in controlling inflammatory response, hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling in guinea pigs (GP) with chronic allergic inflammation. Animals received seven inhalations of ovalbumin (1-5mg/mL-OVA group) or normal saline (NS group). OT was induced by offering ad libitum ovalbumin 2% in sterile drinking water starting with the 1st ovalbumin inhalation (OT1 group) or after the 4th (OT2 group). The induction of OT in sensitized animals decreased the elastance of respiratory system (Ers) response after both antigen and methacholine challenges, peribronchial edema formation, eosinophilic airway infiltration, eosinophilopoiesis, and airways collagen and elastic fiber content compared to OVA group (P<0.05). The number of mononuclear cells and resistance of respiratory system (Rrs) responses after antigen and methacholine challenges were decreased only in OT2 group compared to OVA group (P<0.05). Concluding, our results show that inducing OT attenuates airway remodeling as well as eosinophilic inflammation and respiratory system mechanics.     

Angiopoietin-2-driven vascular remodeling in airway inflammation

Vascular remodeling is a feature of chronic inflammation during which capillaries transform into venules that expand the region of the vasculature in which leakage and leukocyte emigration both occur. Recently, we found that angiopoietin/Tie2 receptor signaling drives the transformation of capillaries into venules at an early stage of the sustained inflammatory response in the airways of mice infected with Mycoplasma pulmonis. However, the precise contributions of both angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) are not clear. In this study, we sought to determine the contribution of Ang2 to this vascular remodeling. Ang2 mRNA expression levels increased and phosphorylated Tie2 immunoreactivity in mucosal blood vessels decreased, indicative of diminished receptor signaling after infection. Selective inhibition of Ang2 throughout the infection by administration of either of two distinct function-blocking antibodies reduced the suppression of Tie2 phosphorylation and decreased the remodeling of mucosal capillaries into venules, the amount of leukocyte influx, and disease severity. These findings are consistent with Ang2 acting as an antagonist of Tie2 receptors and the reduction of Tie2 phosphorylation in endothelial cells rendering the vasculature more responsive to cytokines that promote both vascular remodeling and the consequences of inflammation after M. pulmonis infection. By blocking such changes, Ang2 inhibitors may prove beneficial in the treatment of sustained inflammation in which vascular remodeling, leakage, and leukocyte influx contribute to its pathophysiology.     

姜黄素对哮喘小鼠气道炎症和肺内诱导型一氧化氮合酶的影响

目的探讨姜黄素对哮喘小鼠气道炎症和肺内诱导型一氧化氮合酶的影响。方法36只BALB/c小鼠随机分为对照组、哮喘组和姜黄素组,用卵蛋白作为致敏原制备哮喘小鼠模型,对支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)细胞总数及嗜酸性粒细胞计数,硝酸还原酶法检测肺组织iNOS活性及NO含量,免疫组织化学和Western blot方法检测大鼠支气管上皮细胞iNOS蛋白表达,双抗体夹心法检测肺组织白细胞介素-4(IL-4)及干扰素-γ(IFN-γ)的表达水平。结果姜黄素干预可显著降低哮喘小鼠BALF中细胞总数及嗜酸粒细胞计数与肺组织iNOS活性及NO含量,减轻炎症反应。免疫组织化学和Western blot结果显示,姜黄素组小鼠支气管上皮细胞iNOS蛋白表达显著低于哮喘小鼠(P0.01)。结论姜黄素可降低哮喘小鼠气道炎症及iNOS表达水平,提示姜黄素对于哮喘可能有潜在的治疗作用。     

Effects of ciclesonide and fluticasone propionate on allergen-induced airway inflammation and remodeling features

BACKGROUND: Several topical corticosteroids are available as anti-inflammatory treatment for asthma. Their comparative effects on allergic inflammation and airway remodeling are unclear. OBJECTIVE: We compared the effects of ciclesonide with those of fluticasone propionate in a Brown Norway rat model of chronic allergic asthma. METHODS: Rats sensitized and exposed to ovalbumin (OVA) were treated with dry powder vehicle, ciclesonide, or fluticasone (0.01, 0.03, and 0.1 mg/kg administered intratracheally) 24 hours and 1 hour before each of 6 OVA exposures. In a second protocol we administered 0.1 mg/kg ciclesonide or fluticasone only after the third OVA exposure. RESULTS: Ciclesonide at all doses inhibited the allergen-induced increase in airway eosinophils and T cells, reduced goblet cell hyperplasia, and decreased 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-immunoreactive airway smooth muscle (ASM) and epithelial cells. At 0.03 and 0.1 mg/kg ciclesonide, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) was also inhibited. Fluticasone did not attenuate allergen-induced BHR, despite inhibiting airway eosinophils and T cells, goblet cell hyperplasia, and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-immunoreactive ASM and epithelial cells. Fluticasone (0.1 mg/kg) caused a significant reduction in body weight (9%) compared with ciclesonide (0.1 mg/kg). Ciclesonide did not change plasma corticosterone levels, whereas fluticasone (0.1 mg/kg) reduced them. In the second protocol both fluticasone and ciclesonide inhibited BHR, bronchial inflammation, goblet cell hyperplasia, and ASM proliferation. CONCLUSION: Ciclesonide potently inhibited chronic allergic inflammation, remodeling, and BHR without having an effect on body weight and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Fluticasone prevented airway inflammation but not BHR, but both fluticasone and ciclesonide are effective at reversal of BHR, inflammation, and remodeling features.     

Dysfunction and remodeling of the mouse airway persist after resolution of acute allergen-induced airway inflammation

The mechanisms underlying airway hyperresponsiveness remain unclear, although airway inflammation and remodeling are likely important contributing factors. We hypothesized that airway physiology would differ between mice subjected to brief or chronic allergen exposure, and that these differences would be associated with characteristic inflammatory markers and indices of airway remodeling. BALB/c mice were sensitized to ovalbumin and studied at several time points following brief or chronic allergen challenge protocols. By measuring airway responses to methacholine, we demonstrated increases in maximal inducible bronchoconstriction that persisted for 8 wk following either brief or chronic allergen challenge; we also observed increases in airway reactivity, although it was only in chronically challenged mice that these changes persisted beyond the resolution of allergen-induced inflammation. Using airway morphometry, we further demonstrated that increases in maximal bronchoconstriction were associated with increases in airway contractile tissue in both models, and that chronic, but not brief, allergen challenge resulted in subepithelial fibrosis. Our observations that different aspects of sustained airway dysfunction and remodeling persist beyond the resolution of acute inflammatory events support the concept that remodeling occurs as a consequence of allergic airway inflammation, and that these structural changes contribute independently to the persistence of airway hyperresponsiveness.     

Hepatocyte growth factor attenuates airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and remodeling

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is known to influence a number of cell types and their production of regulatory cytokines. We investigated the potential of recombinant HGF to regulate not only the development of allergic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), but also airway remodeling in a murine model. Administration of exogenous HGF after sensitization but during ovalbumin challenge significantly prevented AHR, as well as eosinophil and lymphocyte accumulation in the airways; interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were also significantly reduced. Further, treatment with HGF significantly suppressed transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), platelet-derived growth factor, and nerve growth factor levels in BAL fluid. The expression of TGF-beta, the development of goblet cell hyperplasia and subepithelial collagenization, and the increases in contractile elements in the lung were also reduced by recombinant HGF. Neutralization of endogenous HGF resulted in increased AHR as well as the number of eosinophils, levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) and TGF-beta in BAL fluid. These data indicate that HGF may play an important role in the regulation of allergic airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and remodeling.     

姜黄素对哮喘大鼠肺组织MMP-9与TIMP-1的表达以及气道重构的影响

目的探讨姜黄素对卵清白蛋白致敏哮喘模型大鼠肺组织基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)及其组织抑制物-1(TIMP-1)的表达与气道重构的影响。方法 36只清洁级SD雄性大鼠随机分为对照组、哮喘组和姜黄素组,用卵蛋白作为致敏原制备哮喘大鼠模型,对支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)细胞总数及嗜酸性粒细胞计数,采用动物呼吸机检测各组大鼠气道呼气阻力,HE染色观察各组大鼠肺组织的病理学变化,采用图像分析软件测定肺组织切片中的支气管壁内周长(Pi)、支气管管壁面积(WAt)、支气管平滑肌面积(WAm),Western blot方法检测各组大鼠肺组织MMP-9与TIMP-1的表达。结果姜黄素干预可显著降低哮喘大鼠BALF中细胞总数及嗜酸粒细胞计数、降低哮喘大鼠肺组织的炎性细胞浸润,降低气道炎症,降低WAt/Pi、WAm/Pi的比值(P0.01);肺功能分析结果显示,姜黄素干预可显著降低哮喘大鼠的呼气阻力(P0.01);Western blot结果显示,姜黄素干预可显著降低哮喘大鼠肺组织MMP-9的表达,上调TIMP-1的表达(P0.01)。结论姜黄素降低哮喘大鼠气道炎症及气道阻力,减轻哮喘气道重构,可能与降低MMP-9的表达,上调TIMP-1的表达相关。     

二甲双胍抑制慢性哮喘小鼠气道炎症、重塑及新生血管形成

目的:探讨二甲双胍对慢性哮喘气道炎症、重塑及新生血管形成的影响及可能机制。方法:采用卵白蛋白(OVA)致敏并激发制备慢性哮喘小鼠模型,给予二甲双胍干预,与生理盐水对照组和慢性哮喘模型组相比,观察支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)细胞计数、外周血免疫球蛋白、气道重塑及磷酸化腺苷酸活化蛋白激酶(pAMPK)蛋白水平的变化。结果:慢性哮喘小鼠BALF细胞总数及嗜酸性粒细胞百分比较对照组升高(P0.01),血清OVA特异性IgE明显升高(P0.01),给药组可降低上述指标(P0.05)。肺组织HE染色可见气道壁炎症细胞浸润、杯状细胞增生、上皮下胶原沉积等病理改变,免疫组化CD31染色观察到气道上皮下新生血管数目和面积增加;二甲双胍部分抑制了上述病理过程。肺组织免疫组化p-AMPK染色观察到其在模型组气道壁的表达较对照组下降(P0.05),给药组升高明显(P0.01)。结论:慢性哮喘中AMPK磷酸化表达水平受抑制。二甲双胍可能通过激活AMPK来抑制慢性哮喘气道炎症、重塑及新生血管的形成。     

Creatine supplementation exacerbates allergic lung inflammation and airway remodeling in mice

Creatine supplement is the most popular nutritional supplement, and has various metabolic functions and sports medicine applications. Creatine supplementation increases muscle mass and can decrease muscular inflammation. Some studies have also suggested a beneficial role of creatine supplementation on chronic pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis. Among athletes, the prevalence of asthma is high, and many of these individuals may be taking creatine. However, the effects of creatine supplementation on chronic pulmonary diseases of allergic origin have not been investigated. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of creatine supplementation on a model of chronic allergic lung inflammation. Thirty-one Balb/c mice were divided into four groups: control, creatine (Cr), ovalbumin (OVA), and OVA+Cr. OVA and OVA+Cr groups were sensitized with intraperitoneal injections of OVA on Days 0, 14, 28, and 42. OVA challenge (OVA 1%) and Cr treatment (0.5 g/kg/d) were initiated on Day 21 and lasted until Day 53. We determined the index of hyperresponsiveness, the serum levels of OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E and IgG(1), and the total and differential cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. We also quantified airway inflammation, and the airway density of IL-4+, IL-5+, IL-2+, IFN-gamma+, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1+ cells, collagen and elastic fibers, and airway smooth muscle thickness. Our results showed that creatine in OVA-sensitized mice increased hyperresponsiveness; eosinophilic inflammation; airway density of IL-4+, IL-5+, and IGF-1 inflammatory cells; airway collagen and elastin content; and smooth muscle thickness. The results show that creatine supplementation exacerbates the lung allergic response to OVA through a T helper cell type 2 pathway and increased IGF-1 expression.     

Effects of aerobic exercise on chronic allergic airway inflammation and remodeling in guinea pigs

We evaluated the effects of aerobic exercise (AE) on airway inflammation, exhaled nitric oxide levels (ENO), airway remodeling, and the expression of Th1, Th2 and regulatory cytokines in a guinea pig asthma model. Animals were divided into 4 groups: non-trained and non-sensitized (C), non-sensitized and AE (AE), ovalbumin-sensitized and non-trained (OVA), and OVA-sensitized and AE (OVA+AE). OVA inhalation was performed for 8 weeks, and AE was conducted for 6 weeks beginning in the 3rd week of OVA sensitization. Compared to the other groups, the OVA+AE group had a reduced density of eosinophils and lymphocytes, reduced expression of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 and an increase in epithelium thickness (p<0.05). AE did not modify airway remodeling or ENO in the sensitized groups (p>0.05). Neither OVA nor AE resulted in differences in the expression of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-10 or IL1-ra. Our results show that AE reduces the expression of Th2 cytokines and allergic airway inflammation and induces epithelium remodeling in sensitized guinea pigs.     

Effects of nitric oxide synthases in chronic allergic airway inflammation and remodeling

The precise role of each nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) isoform in the pathobiology of asthma is not well established. Our objective was to investigate the contribution of constitutive NO synthase (cNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) isoforms to lung mechanics and inflammatory and remodeling responses in an experimental model of chronic allergic pulmonary inflammation. Guinea pigs were submitted to seven ovalbumin exposures with increasing doses (1 approximately 5 mg/ml) for 4 wk. The animals received either chronic L-NAME (N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, in drinking water) or 1,400 W (iNOS-specific inhibitor, intraperitoneal) treatments. At 72 h after the seventh inhalation of ovalbumin solution, animals were anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, exhaled NO was collected, and lung mechanical responses were evaluated before and after antigen challenge. Both L-NAME and 1,400 W treatments increased baseline resistance and decreased elastance of the respiratory system in nonsensitized animals. After challenge, L-NAME increased resistance of the respiratory system and collagen deposition on airways, and decreased peribronchial edema and mononuclear cell recruitment. Administration of 1,400 W reduced resistance of the respiratory system response, eosinophilic and mononuclear cell recruitment, and collagen and elastic fibers content in airways. L-NAME treatment reduced both iNOS- and neuronal NOS-positive eosinophils, and 1,400 W diminished only the number of eosinophils expressing iNOS. In this experimental model, inhibition of NOS-derived NO by L-NAME treatment amplifies bronchoconstriction and increases collagen deposition. However, blockage of only iNOS attenuates bronchoconstriction and inflammatory and remodeling processes.     

Toll样受体4/核因子-κB对哮喘大鼠气道炎症和重构的影响

目的: 探讨TLR4/NF-κB对哮喘大鼠气道炎症和气道重构的影响。方法: 将18只SD大鼠随机分成3组:对照组、哮喘4周组和哮喘8周组,每组6只。造模成功后,利用HE染色、免疫组织化学方法及病理图像分析系统分析大鼠气道平滑肌的嗜酸性粒细胞(EOS)浸润情况、气道壁厚度以及增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)和Bcl-2的蛋白表达量。利用RT-PCR和Western blotting检测ASM中TLR4和NF-κB的mRNA及蛋白表达。结果: 哮喘4周组和哮喘8周组的气道壁EOS计数、气道壁厚度、气道反应性均较正常对照组显著增加(P<0.01);哮喘4周组和哮喘8周组的TLR4及NF-κB的mRNA水平和蛋白表达与对照组比较均显著增加(P<0.01);TLR4及NF-κB的mRNA水平随哮喘天数的增加而显著增加(P<0.01);哮喘4周组、哮喘8周组PCNA和Bcl-2的蛋白表达量均显著高于正常对照组(P<0.01);哮喘两组间上述指标差异显著(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论: TLR4/NF-κB可能参与哮喘大鼠气道炎症和气道重构的调控。     

Fluticasone propionate downregulates nasal fibroblast functions involved in airway inflammation and remodeling

BACKGROUND: Besides being highly effective in the treatment of allergic and nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophilia, intranasal corticosteroids appear to be useful in reducing nasal polypoid lesions and the likelihood of polyp recurrence after surgery. We evaluated the ability of fluticasone propionate to downregulate fibroblast functions related to nasal inflammation and remodeling. METHODS: Primary nasal polyp tissue-derived fibroblasts were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha or interleukin (IL)-4 or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the presence of fluticasone propionate (0.1-100 nM). Fibroblast proliferation, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 expression and eotaxin release were then evaluated. RESULTS: As compared with unstimulated cultures, a significant increase in fibroblast proliferation was observed when the cells were stimulated with bFGF (p < 0.05), but not with TNF-alpha or IL-4 (p > 0.05). TNF-alpha induced an upregulation of ICAM-1 expression (p < 0.05), which was not seen in fibroblasts cultured in the presence of IL-4 or bFGF. No changes in VCAM-1 expression were induced by TNF-alpha, IL-4 or bFGF, whereas both TNF-alpha and IL-4 increased eotaxin release (p < 0.05). Both bFGF-induced fibroblast proliferation and TNF-alpha-induced ICAM-1 expression were significantly reduced by fluticasone, starting at the dose of 1 and 10 nM, respectively (p < 0.05). Fluticasone at concentrations of 1-100 nM effectively inhibited eotaxin release by TNF-alpha- or IL-4-stimulated fibroblasts (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacologic activity of fluticasone in patients with chronic upper airway inflammatory disease may include inhibition of resident fibroblast functions involved in airway inflammation and remodeling.