scholarly journals The Effects of Maekmoondong-Tang on Cockroach Extract-Induced Allergic Asthma

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soojin Park ◽  
Sung-Hwa Sohn ◽  
Kyung-Hwa Jung ◽  
Kun-young Lee ◽  
Yu Rim Yeom ◽  
...  

Maekmoondong-tang (MMDT) has long been used in Asian countries to treat respiratory diseases. However, the precise mechanisms underlying its effects on asthma are unknown. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of MMDT in a cockroach allergen (CKA-)induced animal model of allergic asthma. After being challenged with CKA, the number of macrophages, eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and total cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was evaluated. The Th2 specific cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 were also analyzed in BALF along with IgE levels in serum. For histological analysis, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and immunohistochemical staining were performed. In addition, airway hyperresponsiveness was assessed by noninvasive plethysmography. The cellular profiles and histopathologic analysis demonstrated that peribronchial and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrates were significantly decreased in the MMDT-treated groups compared with the cockroach extract-injected (CKA) groups. In addition, the IgE, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels were significantly decreased in the MMDT group. MMDT treatment also significantly attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness. These results demonstrated that MMDT significantly reduced the hallmark signs of asthma: elevated serum IgE, airway eosinophilia, airway remodeling, mucus hypersecretion, and airway hyperresponsiveness. The remarkable antiasthmatic effects of MMDT suggest its therapeutic potential in allergic asthma treatment.

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca E. Bignold ◽  
Jill R. Johnson

Introduction: Periostin is a matricellular protein that is currently used as a biomarker for asthma. However, its contribution to tissue remodeling in allergic asthma is currently unknown. We have previously demonstrated that tissue-resident mesenchymal stem cells known as pericytes are a key cell type involved in airway remodeling. This is thought to be caused the uncoupling of pericytes from the microvasculature supporting the large airways, facilitated by inflammatory growth factors and cytokines. It is hypothesized that periostin may be produced by profibrotic pericytes and contribute to the remodeling observed in allergic asthma.Methods: Lung sections from mice with allergic airway disease driven by exposure to house dust mite (HDM) were stained using an anti-periostin antibody to explore its involvement in fibrotic lung disease. Human pericytes were cultured in vitro and stained for periostin to assess periostin expression. Migration assays were performed using human pericytes that were pretreated with TGF-β or periostin. ELISAs were also carried out to assess periostin expression levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as well as the induction of periostin production by IL-13.Results: Immunostaining indicated that pericytes robustly express periostin, with increased expression following treatment with TGF-β. Migration assays demonstrated that pericytes treated with periostin were more migratory. Periostin production was also increased in HDM exposed mice as well as in cultured pericytes treated with IL-13.Conclusion: Periostin is produced by pericytes in response to TGF-β or IL-13, and periostin plays a key role in inducing pericyte migration. The increase in periostin expression in TGF-β or IL-13 treated pericytes suggests that IL-13 may trigger periostin production in pericytes whilst TGF-β modulates periostin expression to promote pericyte migration in the context of tissue fibrosis.


2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (01) ◽  
pp. 133-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen-Chen Lee ◽  
Yueh-Lun Lee ◽  
Chien-N Wang ◽  
Hsing-Chuan Tsai ◽  
Chun-Lung Chiu ◽  
...  

The root of Polygonum multiflorum (also called He-Shou-Wu in Chinese) is a common herb and medicinal food in Asia used for its anti-aging properties. Our study investigated the therapeutic potential of an extract of the root of Polygonum multiflorum (PME) in allergic asthma by using a mouse model. Feeding of 0.5 and 1 mg/mouse PME inhibited ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma symptoms, including airway inflammation, mucus production, and airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), in a dose-dependent manner. To discern PME’s mechanism of action, we examined the profile and cytokine production of inflammatory cells in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). We found that eosinophils, the main inflammatory cell infiltrate in the lung of OVA-immunized mice, significantly decreased after PME treatment. Th2 cytokine levels, including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, eotaxin, and the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-[Formula: see text], decreased in PME-treated mice. Elevated mRNA expression of Th2 transcription factor GATA-3 in the lung tissue was also inhibited after oral feeding of PME in OVA-immunized mice. Thus, we conclude that PME produces anti-asthma activity through the inhibition of Th2 cell activation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Yue Hu ◽  
Lin Zheng ◽  
Deng Pan ◽  
Lei Shao ◽  
Xianfa Xu ◽  
...  

In recent years, various biomarkers have been gradually applied on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). The objective of this study is to assess the value of the liquid-based cytopathology test (LCT) for improving the identification of IPA in BAL fluid from possible IPA patients, following special staining with periodic acid-Schiff staining (PAS) or Grocott’s methenamine silver (GMS). A total of 47 consecutive possible IPA patients who underwent bronchoscopy with BAL fluid from January 2017 to December 2018 were included. 45 people had a pair of BAL fluid specimens and 2 patients had two BAL fluid specimens. The 49 pairs of BAL fluid specimens were processed for culture, tuberculosis acid fast staining smear, direct microbial smear, and LCT with special staining (PAS and GMS), respectively. Then, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of PAS and GMS in BAL fluid in high-risk patients. Among 47 possible IPA patients, 25 patients had proven/probable IPA, and 11 patients had other invasive fungal diseases. The sensitivity of GMS was higher than that of PAS (92.11% versus 81.58%; P=0.175). The specificity of GMS was 81.82%, which was higher than that of PAS (81.82% versus 72.73%; P=0.611). The negative predictive value (NPV) for PAS and GMS were 53.33% and 75.00%, respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) for PAS and GMS were 91.18% and 94.59%, respectively. This study showed that special staining of LCT in BAL fluid may be a novel method for the diagnosis of IPA, and the GMS of LCT had higher sensitivity and specificity, which was superior to PAS.


Author(s):  
Lu Yang ◽  
Yan Wang ◽  
Aobulikasimu Nuerbiye ◽  
Ping Cheng ◽  
Jin-Hui Wang ◽  
...  

Periostracum cicadae, the cast-off shell of the cicada Cryptotympana pustulata Fabricius, is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its diaphoretic, anticonvulsive, sedative, antipyretic, and antiallergic effects. However, the exact pathogenesis of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) remains unclear, thereby hindering investigations to identify novel therapeutic agents. A rat IgAN model was established by administration of bovine serum albumin, lipopolysaccharide, and carbon tetrachloride, which simultaneously established blood stasis and a heat syndrome model. The animals were sacrificed to detect changes in protein levels in urine and blood. Immunofluorescence was performed to assess IgA deposition in the glomeruli. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematology and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, TUNEL, and immunohistochemical staining were performed to evaluate histopathological changes in kidney tissues. Additionally, target-related proteins were measured by western blotting. Periostracum cicadae resulted in a reduction in blood and urine protein levels. Serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels significantly decreased in the periostracum cicadae-treated groups compared to the IgAN group. Furthermore, a reduction in MCP-1, TLR4, and IgA expression levels and a dose- dependent increase in caspace-3 expression were observed in response to periostracum cicadae treatment. TGF-β1 levels decreased, whereas that of Fas increased in the kidney tissues of the periostracum cicadae-treated groups. The findings of the present study indicate that periostracum cicadae induces apoptosis and improves kidney inflammation and fibrosis in IgA nephropathy rat models.


2018 ◽  
Vol 86 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill E. Weatherhead ◽  
Paul Porter ◽  
Amy Coffey ◽  
Dana Haydel ◽  
Leroy Versteeg ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTAscaris lumbricoides(roundworm) is the most common helminth infection globally and a cause of lifelong morbidity that may include allergic airway disease, an asthma phenotype. We hypothesize thatAscarislarval migration through the lungs leads to persistent airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and type 2 inflammatory lung pathology despite resolution of infection that resembles allergic airway disease. Mice were infected withAscarisby oral gavage. Lung AHR was measured by plethysmography and histopathology with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stains, and cytokine concentrations were measured by using Luminex Magpix.Ascaris-infected mice were compared to controls or mice with allergic airway disease induced by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge (OVA/OVA).Ascaris-infected mice developed profound AHR starting at day 8 postinfection (p.i.), peaking at day 12 p.i. and persisting through day 21 p.i., despite resolution of infection, which was significantly increased compared to controls and OVA/OVA mice.Ascaris-infected mice had a robust type 2 cytokine response in both the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung tissue, similar to that of the OVA/OVA mice, including interleukin-4 (IL-4) (P < 0.01 andP< 0.01, respectively), IL-5 (P < 0.001 andP < 0.001), and IL-13 (P < 0.001 andP < 0.01), compared to controls. By histopathology,Ascaris-infected mice demonstrated early airway remodeling similar to, but more profound than, that in OVA/OVA mice. We found thatAscarislarval migration causes significant pulmonary damage, including AHR and type 2 inflammatory lung pathology that resembles an extreme form of allergic airway disease. Our findings indicate that ascariasis may be an important cause of allergic airway disease in regions of endemicity.


2012 ◽  
Vol 303 (1) ◽  
pp. L54-L63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimitake Tsuchiya ◽  
Sana Siddiqui ◽  
Paul-André Risse ◽  
Nobuaki Hirota ◽  
James G. Martin

Ovalbumin (OVA) is the most frequently used allergen in animal models of asthma. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contaminating commercial OVA may modulate the evoked airway inflammatory response to OVA. However, the effect of LPS in OVA on airway remodeling, especially airway smooth muscle (ASM) has not been evaluated. We hypothesized that LPS in commercial OVA may enhance allergen-induced airway inflammation and remodeling. Brown Norway rats were sensitized with OVA on day 0. PBS, OVA, or endotoxin-free OVA (Ef-OVA) was instilled intratracheally on days 14, 19, 24. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, lung, and intrathoracic lymph node tissues were collected 48 h after the last challenge. Immunohistochemistry for α-smooth muscle actin, Periodic-Acid-Schiff staining, and real-time qPCR were performed. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was also measured. BAL fluid macrophages, eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes were increased in OVA-challenged animals, and macrophages and neutrophils were significantly lower in Ef-OVA-challenged animals. The ASM area in larger airways was significantly increased in both OVA and Ef-OVA compared with PBS-challenged animals. The mRNA expression of IFN-γ and IL-13 in lung tissues and IL-4 in lymph nodes was significantly increased by both OVA and Ef-OVA compared with PBS and were not significantly different between OVA and Ef-OVA. Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 in BAL fluid and AHR were significantly increased in OVA but not in Ef-OVA. LPS contamination in OVA contributes to the influx of macrophages and MCP-1 increase in the airways and to AHR after OVA challenges but does not affect OVA-induced Th1 and Th2 cytokine expression, goblet cell hyperplasia, and ASM remodeling.


2008 ◽  
Vol 86 (7) ◽  
pp. 449-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang Du ◽  
Zhen Chen ◽  
Lin-fu Zhou ◽  
Qian Zhang ◽  
Mao Huang ◽  
...  

Astragaloside IV, a new cycloartane-type triterpene glycoside extract of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge, has been identified for its potent immunoregulatory, antiinflammatory, and antifibrotic actions. Here we investigated whether astragaloside IV could suppress the progression of airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway remodeling in a murine model of chronic asthma. BALB/c mice sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) were chronically challenged with aerosolized OVA for 8 weeks. Astragaloside IV was orally administered at a dose of 50 mg·kg–1·day–1 during each OVA challenge. Astragaloside IV treatment resulted in significant reduction of eosinophilic airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and total immunoglobulin E levels in serum. Furthermore, astragaloside IV treatment markedly inhibited airway remodeling, including subepithelial fibrosis, smooth muscle hypertrophy, and goblet cell hyperplasia. In addition, the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 in the lung was also reduced by astragaloside IV. These data indicate that astragaloside IV may mitigate the development of characteristic features in chronic experimental asthma.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ba-Wool Lee ◽  
Ji-Hye Ha ◽  
Yeongseon Ji ◽  
Seong-Hun Jeong ◽  
Ju-Hong Kim ◽  
...  

Alnus hirsuta (Spach) Rupr. (AH), a member of the Betulaceae family, is widely used in Eastern Asia of as a source of medicinal compounds for the treatment of hemorrhage, diarrhea, and alcoholism. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of a methanolic extract of AH branches against airway inflammation and mucus production in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cells and in an ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged allergic asthma mouse model. Female BALB/c mice were injected with OVA (40 μg) and aluminum hydroxide (2 mg) on days 0 and 14 to induce allergic airway inflammation. The mice were then challenged with 1% OVA from days 21–23. Mice were treated with AH (50 and 100 mg/kg/day; 2% DMSO) or dexamethasone (positive control; 3 mg/kg/day) from days 18–23. AH treatment effectively attenuated airway resistance/hyperresponsiveness and reduced levels of T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines, eotaxins, and number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and immunoglobulin E in serums of OVA-challenged mice. In histological analysis, AH treatment significantly inhibited airway inflammation and mucus production in OVA-challenged mice. AH treatment downregulated the phosphorylation of I kappa B-alpha, p65 nuclear factor-kappa B (p65NF-κB), and mitogen-activated protein kinases with suppression of mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) in lung tissue. Moreover, AH treatment decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and Th2 cytokines, as well as MUC5AC expression, and inhibited the phosphorylation of p65NF-κB in TNF-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cells. These results indicate that AH might represent a useful therapeutic agent for the treatment of allergic asthma.


Author(s):  
Lingli Hu ◽  
Lulu Li ◽  
Hongying Zhang ◽  
Qiuping Li ◽  
Shan Jiang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Icariin (ICA) is the major active ingredient extracted from Chinese herbal medicine Epimedium, which has the effects of improving cardiovascular function, inducing tumor cell differentiation and increasing bone formation. It is still rarely reported that ICA can exert its therapeutic potential in asthma via anti-airway remodeling. The point of the study was to estimate the role of ICA in anti-. airway remodeling and its possible mechanism of action in a mouse ovalbumin. (OVA)-induced asthma model. Methods Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining were performed for measuring airway remodeling related indicators. ELISA, Western blot and Immunohistochemistr-. y (IHC) were used for analyzing the level of protein. RT-PCR was used for analyzing the level of mRNA. Results On days 1 and 8, mice were sensitized to OVA by intraperitoneal injection. From day 16 to day 43, previously sensitized mice were exposed to OVA once daily by nebulizer. Interventions were performed orally with ICA (ICA low, medium and high dose groups) or dexamethasone 1 h prior to each OVA exposure. ICA improves pulmonary function, attenuates pulmonary inflammation and airway remodeling in mice exposed to OVA. Histological and Western blot analysis of the lungs show that ICA suppressed transforming growth factor beta 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression. Increase in interleukin 13 and endothelin-1 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in OVA-induced asthmatic mice are also decreased by ICA. ICA attenuates airway smooth muscle cell proliferation, as well as key factors in the MAPK/Erk pathway. Conclusions The fact that ICA can alleviate OVA-induced asthma at least partly through inhibition of ASMC proliferation via MAPK/Erk pathway provides a solid theoretical basis for ICA as a replacement therapy for asthma. These data reveal the underlying reasons of the use of ICA-rich herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine to achieve good results in treating asthma.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Faris Alrumaihi ◽  
Ahmad Almatroudi ◽  
Khaled S. Allemailem ◽  
Arshad H. Rahmani ◽  
Arif Khan ◽  
...  

Asthma is characterized by the elevated level of Th2 immune responses, oxidative stress, and airway inflammation. Bilsaan, an exudate from the stem of Sambucus nigra, has been traditionally used in the treatment of various ailments in Saudi Arabia. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of Bilsaan against ovalbumin- (OVA-) induced allergic asthma in a mouse model. In order to induce allergic asthma, mice were intraperitoneally injected with alum-emulsified-OVA (20 μg/mouse) on days 0, 14, and 21 that is followed by an intranasal OVA exposure from days 22 to 30. During this time, mice were orally administered with Bilsaan at the doses of 5, 10, and 25 mg/kg. The numbers of total and differential inflammatory cells and the levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) and IgE were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Moreover, the therapeutic effect of Bilsaan was also assessed to analyze the oxidative stress and inflammatory changes in the lung tissues. The results demonstrated that Bilsaan treatment significantly reduced the total and differential inflammatory cell count in the BALF. The BALF from the mice treated with Bilsaan showed significantly lower levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IgE. Interestingly, a similar pattern was observed in IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 secreted by OVA-sensitized splenocytes from the mice of various groups. Bilsaan treatment alleviated the status of oxidative stress by modulating malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase levels in the lung. Moreover, Bilsaan treatment reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells, thickening of alveolar wall, and congestion in the lung tissues. The findings of the present study demonstrated an antiasthmatic effect of Bilsaan through the modulation of Th2 immune responses, inflammation, and the oxidative stress.


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