CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells contribute to the antiasthmatic effects of Astragalus membranaceus extract in a rat model of asthma

Astragalus membranaceus (AM), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has been widely used for centuries to treat asthma in China. Previous studies demonstrated that AM had inhibitory effects on airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation and airway remodeling in murine models of asthma. However, it remained unclear whether the beneficial effects of AM on asthma were associated with CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ Treg cells; this issue is the focus of the present work. An asthma model was established in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats that were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was assessed for inflammatory cell counts and cytokine levels. Airway hyperresponsiveness was detected by direct airway resistance analysis. Lung tissues were examined for cell infiltration, mucus hypersecretion and airway remodeling. CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ Treg cells in the BALF and Foxp3 mRNA expression in lung tissues were examined. The oral administration of AM significantly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness to aerosolized methacholine and inhibited eosinophil counts and reduced IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 levels and increased INF-γ levels in the BALF. Histological studies showed that AM markedly decreased inflammatory infiltration, mucus secretion and collagen deposition in the lung tissues. Notably, AM significantly increased population of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ Treg cells and promoted Foxp3⁺ mRNA expression in a rat model of asthma. Together, these results suggest that the antiasthmatic effects of AM are at least partially associated with CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ Tregs.     

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。     

桔梗总皂苷调控Th17/Treg免疫失衡改善哮喘模型小鼠气道炎症

目的 探究桔梗总皂苷是否通过介导Notch通路对哮喘Th17/Treg平衡进行调控。方法 48只BALB/c小鼠随机分为正常对照组,模型组,桔梗总皂苷低、中、高剂量组(15,30,60 mg·kg^-1)和地塞米松组,每组8只。雾化吸入卵清蛋白建立小鼠哮喘模型,药物干预8周后,测定小鼠气道高反应性。取材支气管肺泡灌洗液(bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,BALF)细胞计数、ELISA检测、HE、PAS及Masson染色,流式细胞术检测小鼠肺组织Th17、Treg细胞百分比及Th17/Treg比值变化情况,qPCR检测小鼠肺组织Notch1、Jagged1、RORγt、Foxp3表达水平,Western blotting检测小鼠肺组织中Notch1、Jagged1、Hes1及RORγt、Foxp3、IL-10、IL-17蛋白表达情况。结果 与模型组相比,桔梗总皂苷中、高剂量组小鼠气道阻力减小,BALF中炎性细胞数量及炎性因子IL-4、IL-5、IL-13含量降低,血清IL-17、IL-6、IgE含量降低,BALF中INF-γ及血清中IL-10含量水平显著升高(P<0.05或P<0.01)。HE、PAS及Masson结果显示,桔梗总皂苷高剂量组及地塞米松组能够显著缓解炎性细胞浸润及支气管膜破坏情况,减少杯状细胞增生,同时减轻组织胶原纤维散出程度。流式细胞术结果显示,桔梗总皂苷中、高剂量组Th17细胞数量及Th17/Treg占比均显著减少,Treg细胞数量显著增加(P<0.05或P<0.01)。qPCR及Western blotting结果显示,桔梗总皂苷给药处理后小鼠肺组织Notch1、Jagged1、RORγt mRNA及Notch1、Jagged1、Hes1、RORγt、IL-10、IL-17蛋白的表达水平均显著降低,Foxp3 mRNA及Foxp3蛋白的表达水平显著升高(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论 桔梗总皂苷能够介导Notch通路对哮喘Th17/Treg平衡进行调控,从而起到减轻气道炎症,抑制哮喘发作的作用。     

Inhibitory effects of Actinidia polygama extract and cyclosporine A on OVA-induced eosinophilia and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of asthma

Actinidia polygama is one of the well known herb used in oriental medicine for treatment of anti-inflammatory and many allergic diseases. Anti-asthmatic effects of A. polygama in the development of OVA-induced eosinophilia and hyperresponsiveness in murine model of asthma have not been fully investigated in vivo. Cyclosporine A (CsA) has been shown to inhibit single allergen-induced allergic inflammation such as eosinophilic and lymphocytic infiltration and mRNA expression for interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the mucosa and is associated with excess production of Th2 cytokines and eosinophil influx in lung. To clarify the anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects of A. polygama and CsA, we examined the influence of A. polygama fructus extract (APF) and CsA on the development of pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation in murine model of asthma. Our results have shown that APF and CsA have profound inhibitory effects on the accumulation of eosinophills into airways, with the reduction of eosinophil and total lung leukocyte number by reducing IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IgE levels in the BALF. Moreover, APF decreased eosinophil CCR3 expression and CD11b expression in lung cells. These results indicate that APF has a deep inhibitory effect on airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in murine model of asthma and play a crucial role as an immunomodulator which possess anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic property by modulating the relationship between Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance.     

A novel pentapeptide originated from calf thymus named TIPP shows an inhibitory effect on lung allergic inflammation

Thymic immunosuppressive pentapeptide (TIPP) is a novel pentapeptide originally obtained from calf thymic immunosuppressive extract. In this study we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect and mechanisms of TIPP in vivo with an ovalbumin-induced mouse allergic asthma model. We investigated the effects of TIPP on the infiltration of inflammation cells, immune cell subtypes, Th2 cytokines in BALF and IgE in serum, mRNA levels of IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α and eotaxin-1, expression of MCP-1, VCAM-1 and COX-2, and activation of MAP kinases and NF-κB. Our results showed that TIPP significantly inhibited the increase in Th2 cytokines and OVA-specific IgE production, mRNA levels of IL-4, TNF-α and eotaxin-1 and the expression of MCP-1, VCAM-1 and COX-2 in lung tissues, as well effectively resisting the balance changes of cells in BALF. In addition, it was found that the administration of TIPP attenuated the activation of MAP kinases and NF-κB in the lung tissues of the allergic mice. Our data suggest that TIPP effectively suppresses the allergic and inflammatory responses in allergic mice via blocking MAP kinases/NF-κB signalling pathway. The investigation indicated that TIPP may become an anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory drug.     

Anti-asthmatic effect of schizandrin on OVA-induced airway inflammation in a murine asthma model

Asthma comprises a triad of reversible airway obstruction, bronchial smooth muscle cell hyperreactivity to bronchoconstrictors, and chronic bronchial inflammation. Clinical and experimental findings have established eosinophilia as a sign of allergic disorders. In the present investigation, we evaluated the anti-asthmatic effects of schizandrin and its underlying mechanisms in an in vivo murine asthmatic model. To accomplish this, female BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), and examined for the following typical asthmatic reactions: increased numbers of eosinophils and other inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF); production of Th1 cytokines (such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in BALF); production of Th2 cytokines (such as interleukin IL-4 and IL-5) in BALF; presence of total and OVA-specific immunoglobulins (Ig)E in serum; presence of oxidative stress; hyperplasia of goblet cells in the lung; and marked influx of inflammatory cells into the lung. Our results collectively show that schizandrin exerts profound inhibitory effects on accumulation of eosinophils into the airways and reduces the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in BALF. Additionally, schizandrin suppresses the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a dose-dependent manner, and inhibits goblet cell hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue. Thus, schizandrin has anti-asthmatic effects, which seem to be partially mediated by reduction of oxidative stress and airway inflammation, in a murine allergic asthma model. These results indicate that schizandrin may be an effective novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of allergic asthma.     

Inhibition of high-mobility group box 1 in lung reduced airway inflammation and remodeling in a mouse model of chronic asthma

The role of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in chronic allergic asthma is currently unclear. Both airway neutrophilia and eosinophilia and increase in HMGB1 expression in the lungs in our murine model of chronic asthma. Inhibition of HMGB1 expression in lung in ovalbumin (OVA)-immunized mice decreased induced airway inflammation, mucus formation, and collagen deposition in lung tissues. Analysis of the numbers of CD4⁺ T helper (Th) cells in the mediastinal lymph nodes and lungs revealed that Th17 showed greater increases than Th2 cells and Th1 cells in OVA-immunized mice; further, the numbers of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells decreased in anti-HMGB1 antibody (Ab)-treated mice. In OVA-immunized mice, TLR-2 and TLR-4 expression, but not RAGE expression, was activated in the lungs and attenuated after anti-HMGB1 Ab treatment. The results showed that increase in HMGB1 release and expression in the lungs could be an important pathological mechanism underlying chronic allergic asthma and HMGB1 might a potential therapeutic target for chronic allergic asthma.     

Dexamethasone alleviate allergic airway inflammation in mice by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome

Dexamethasone (DEX) is the mainstay treatment for asthma, which is a common chronic airway inflammation disease. However, the mechanism of DEX resolute symptoms of asthma is not completely clear. Here, we aimed to analyze the effect of DEX on airway inflammation in OVA-induced mice and whether this effect is related to the inhibition of the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Female (C57BL/6) mice were used to establish the allergic airway inflammation model by inhalation OVA. The number of inflammatory cells in the bronchi alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was counted by Swiss-Giemsa staining, and the contents of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-5 and IL-17 were detected by ELISA. The degree of inflammatory cells infiltration and mucous cells proliferation in lung tissue were separately observed by H&E and PAS staining. The proteins expression of NLRP3, pro-caspase-1, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17 in lung tissue were detected by Western blotting. We found that DEX significantly inhibited OVA-induced inflammatory cells infiltration, airway mucus secretion and goblet cell proliferation in mice. The total and classified numbers of inflammatory cells and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-5 and IL-17 in the BALF of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the model group after DEX treatment. DEX also significantly inhibited the activity of NLRP3 inflammasome and reduced the protein contents of Pro-Caspase-1, Caspase-1, Capase-1/Pro-Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17 in lung tissues. Our study suggested that DEX alleviates allergic airway inflammation by inhibiting the activity of NLRP3 inflammasome and the levels of IL-1β and IL-18.     

Increased expression of CD4+IL-17+ cells in the lung tissue of patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and smokers

CD4⁺IL-17⁺ cells have an important role in controlling immune and inflammatory reactions. The authors of the present study hypothesize that these cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To characterize the frequency of CD4⁺IL-17⁺ cells in the lung alveolar walls, small airways and muscular pulmonary arteries of nonsmokers, smokers with normal lung function and COPD patients, CD4⁺IL-17⁺ cell number was assessed using double immunofluorescence staining, and IL-17 and IL-21 expression were measured using real-time quantitative PCR in the peripheral lung tissues of 10 nonsmokers, 10 smokers with normal lung function and 10 smokers with stable COPD. In the lung alveolar walls, the number of CD4⁺IL-17⁺ cells was increased in COPD patients compared with nonsmokers and in normal smokers compared with nonsmokers. In the small airways, the CD4⁺IL-17⁺ cell numbers were higher in COPD patients than in normal smokers and nonsmokers. A positive correlation was observed between CD4⁺IL-17⁺ cell expression and pathological changes in the lung tissue. In the small airways, the number of CD4⁺IL-17⁺ cells was positively correlated with airflow limitations. The IL-17 mRNA levels in lung tissues were increased in COPD patients and normal smokers compared with nonsmokers. Increased CD4⁺IL-17⁺ cell number in lung tissue is involved in chronic inflammation of the lungs and parallels lung injury aggravation in COPD patients and in smokers without airway limitations. These findings contribute to a better understanding of CD4⁺ cell-related pathogenesis in COPD.     

Therapeutic anti-psoriatic effects of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in combination with systemic tacrolimus (FK-506) in an imiquimod-induced mouse model of psoriasis

Although tacrolimus (FK-506) has been shown to be an effective monotherapy for psoriasis, it does not always work well. Currently, combination therapy is frequently used to manage psoriasis because clinical trials have shown it may provide additive or synergistic benefits and reduce risks of adverse effects. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have potent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties in autoimmune diseases. We previously reported that MDSCs had protective effects in a murine model of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis. The present study was undertaken to investigate the systemic immunomodulatory and therapeutic efficacy effects of MDSC plus FK-506 in an IMQ-induced mouse model of psoriasis and to investigate the immunomodulatory mechanisms involved. Systemic MDSC plus FK-506 therapy was found to have a significant anti-psoriatic effect in the murine model, to reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines Th1 cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ) and Th17 cytokines (IL-17A and IL-23) in serum and skin. However, treatment with MDSCs or FK-506 alone had little impact. Furthermore, the anti-psoriatic effects of MDSC plus FK-506 were associated with histopathological reductions in inflammatory infiltration, epidermal hyperplasia, and hyperkeratosis. In addition, this combined treatment also attenuated IMQ-induced splenomegaly, and increased the proportion of CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺ regulatory T (Treg) cells and decreased the proportions of CD4⁺IFN-γ⁺ Th1 cells and CD4⁺IL-17⁺ Th17 cells in spleen. Taken together, our results show systemic combination therapy with MDSCs and FK-506 had a better therapeutic effect in our IMQ-induced psoriasis model than either agent alone, and suggest that this combinatorial therapy might be useful for the management of autoimmune skin diseases like psoriasis.     

p38蛋白激酶抑制剂SB203580对支气管哮喘小鼠气道炎症和Th2类细胞因子的影响

目的观察特异性p38蛋白激酶(p38 MAPK)抑制剂SB203580对哮喘小鼠气道炎症和Th2类细胞因子的影响。方法BALB/c小鼠30只随机分成3组,即正常对照组、哮喘模型组和SB203580干预组。通过原位分子杂交和酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测肺组织IL-4、IL-5 mRNA和支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中白细胞介素(IL-4、IL-5)含量的变化,并观察BALF中炎症细胞和肺组织病理学改变。结果哮喘模型组小鼠BALF中炎症细胞计数和IL-4、IL-5含量以及肺组织IL-4、IL-5mRNA的表达较正常对照组明显升高,差异具有显著性(P<0.01);SB203580干预组小鼠上述指标较哮喘模型组小鼠明显降低,差异亦具有显著性(P<0.01),肺组织病理学改变明显减轻。结论SB203580能降低气道炎症细胞的聚集和炎症介质的表达。抑制p38 MAPK的活性可能成为哮喘治疗的新途径。     

Oral administration of acarbose ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis in a mouse model

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease of undefined etiology that involves dysregulated interplay between immune cells and keratinocytes. Acarbose was found to decrease inflammatory parameters in diabetic patients in addition to its anti-diabetic effects. Here, we report that imiquimod (IMQ)-induced epidermal hyperplasia and psoriasis like-inflammation were significantly inhibited by acarbose treatment. Real-time PCR showed that mRNA levels of the cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β IL-17A, and IL-22 in skin were also decreased significantly by acarbose. In addition, we found that acarbose reduced infiltration of CD3⁺ T cells and GR-1⁺ neutrophils in lesional skin and also reduced the percentage of IL-17-producing CD4⁺ T cells (Th17) and IL-17- and IL-22-producing γδ T cells in the spleen. In contrast, acarbose increased the frequency of IL-10-producing CD4⁺ regulator Tr1 T cells in the spleen and small intestine. These results indicate that oral administration of acarbose can attenuate the severity of imiquimod-induced psoriasis with local and systemic anti-inflammatory and immune modulation effects, thus suggesting that acarbose is an effective therapeutic strategy for psoriasis regulation.     

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.     

Interleukin-7 promotes lung-resident CD14+ monocytes activity in patients with lung squamous carcinoma

Interleukin (IL)-7 enhances cytokines secretion by CD14⁺ monocytes, and induces recruitment of monocytes to endothelium. As an important regulator to different types of immune cells, the role of IL-7 in modulation of CD14⁺ monocytes is still not fully elucidated. Thus, the aim of current study was to investigate the immunoregulatory activity of IL-7 to peripheral and lung-resident CD14⁺ monocytes in lung squamous carcinoma patients. Thirty-seven lung squamous carcinoma patients and eighteen healthy individuals were enrolled. CD14⁺ monocytes and CD4⁺ T cells were purified from both peripheral bloods and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF). IL-7 expression in plasma and BALF was measured by ELISA, and CD127 expression in peripheral and lung-resident CD14⁺ monocytes was investigated by real-time PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. Cellular proliferation, cytokine production, and molecules in IL-7 signaling pathway was assessed in CD14⁺ monocytes in response to IL-7 stimulation. IL-7-induced CD14⁺ monocytes activity to CD4⁺ T cells was also assessed in direct and indirect contact co-culture system. There were no remarkable differences of plasma IL-7 concentration or CD127 level between healthy individuals and lung squamous carcinoma patients. However, IL-7 expression was significantly reduced in BALF from tumor site in squamous carcinoma patients, especially in stage III and IV. IL-7 stimulation not only promoted proliferation, cytokines secretion, and STAT-5 phosphorylation in lung-resident CD14⁺ monocytes, but also enhanced CD14⁺ monocytes-induced Th1 and T follicular helper cells activation, which presented as elevated interferon-γ and IL-21 secretion by CD4⁺ T cells. This process required direct cell-to-cell contact, and was dependent on IL-6 secretion. The current data revealed a potential immunopromotive property of IL-7 to lung-resident CD14⁺ monocytes in lung squamous carcinoma.     

Andrographolide sulfonate ameliorates chronic colitis induced by TNBS in mice via decreasing inflammation and fibrosis

Inflammatory bowel disease could result in diarrhea and abdominal pain, as well as potential complications such as tissue fibrosis. The therapeutic effect of andrographolide sulfonate on acute murine experimental colitis induced by 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) has been confirmed. In the study here, chronic colitis triggered by repeated intrarectal administration of TNBS was established and the effect of andrographolide sulfonate was examined. Repeated TNBS administration induced substantial mice death, which was significantly decreased by andrographolide sulfonate treatment. The elevation of inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α as well as IFN-γ in colonic tissues levels were decreased after administration of andrographolide sulfonate. Next, CD4⁺ T cell and macrophage infiltration was found to descend. The subset of pathogenic CD4⁺ T cell subset including CD4⁺IFN-γ⁺ (Th1) and CD4⁺IL-17A⁺ (Th17) were also suppressed by andrographolide sulfonate. Further, the restrain of p38 and p65 activation were also observed after andrographolide sulfonate administration. Finally, TNBS-induced colonic epithelial damage as well as fibrosis were significantly mitigated by andrographolide sulfonate. Based on the results got here, we can make a conclusion that andrographolide sulfonate could decrease inflammation and epithelial damage as well as fibrosis thus ameliorating chronic colitis in mice. Our study suggest the possible use of andrographolide sulfonate for chronic colitis treatment in clinical.     

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.     

Andrographolide sulfonate ameliorates experimental colitis in mice by inhibiting Th1/Th17 response

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing and remitting condition of inflammation involves overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and excessive functions of inflammatory cells. However, current treatments for IBD may have potential adverse effects including steroid dependence, infections and lymphoma. Therefore new therapies for the treatment of IBD are desperately needed. In the present study, we aimed to examine the effect of andrographolide sulfonate, a water-soluble form of andrographolide (trade name: Xi-Yan-Ping Injection), on murine experimental colitis induced by 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Andrographolide sulfonate was administrated through intraperitoneal injection to mice with TNBS-induced colitis. TNBS-induced body weight loss, myeloperoxidase activity, shortening of the colon and colonic inflammation were significantly ameliorated by andrographolide sulfonate. Both the mRNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were reduced by andrographolide sulfonate administration. Moreover, andrographolide sulfonate markedly suppressed the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase as well as p65 subunit of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Furthermore, CD4⁺ T cell infiltration as well as the differentiation of Th1 (CD4⁺IFN-γ⁺) and Th17 (CD4⁺IL17A⁺) subset were inhibited by andrographolide sulfonate. In summary, these results suggest that andrographolide sulfonate ameliorated TNBS-induced colitis in mice through inhibiting Th1/Th17 response. Our study shows that water-soluble andrographolide sulfonate may represent a new therapeutic approach for treating gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders.