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Abstract: Chronic airway inflammation is a hallmark of asthma, which is an immune-based disease. We evaluated the ability of saucerneol D, a tetrahydrofuran-type sesquilignan isolated from Saururus chinensis, to regulate airway inflammation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway inflammation model. Furthermore, we determined whether heme oxygenase (HO)-1 was required for the protective activity of saucerneol D. The airways of OVA-sensitized mice exposed to an OVA challenge developed eosinophilia and mucus hypersecretion and exhibited increased cytokine levels. Mice were administered saucerneol D orally at doses of 20 and 40mg/kg once daily on days 26–30. Saucerneol D administered orally significantly inhibited the number of OVA-induced inflammatory cells and the production of immunoglobulin E as well as Th2-type cytokines. Histopathology studies revealed a marked decrease in lung inflammation and goblet cell hyperplasia after saucerneol D treatment. In addition, saucerneol D induced HO-1 and led to a marked decrease in OVA-induced reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde and an increase in superoxide dismutase and glutathione in lung tissues. These antioxidant effects were correlated with HO-1 induction. In our experiments, saucerneol D treatment reduced airway inflammation and suppressed oxidative stress in an OVA-induced asthma model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim of the study: Traditionally, the stem and root bark of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica (Ulmaceae) are Korean herbal medicines used for anti-inflammatory and anticancer therapy. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica ethanolic extract (UD) in a murine asthma model. Furthermore, we determined whether heme oxygenase (HO)-1 is required for the protective activity of UD. Materials and methods: Airways of ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice exposed to OVA challenge developed eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion and increased cytokine levels. UD was applied 1h prior to OVA challenge. Mice were administered UD orally at doses of 100 and 200mg/kg once daily on days 18–23. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected 48h after the final OVA challenge. Levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 in BALF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Lung tissue sections 4μm in thickness were stained with Mayer''s hematoxylin and eosin for assessment of cell infiltration and mucus production with PAS (periodic acid shift reagent) staining, in conjunction with ELISA, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses for HO-1 protein expression. Results and conclusion: Orally administered UD significantly inhibited the number of OVA-induced inflammatory cells and IgE production, along with reduced T-helper (Th)2 cytokine levels, such as IL-4 and IL-5, in BALF and lung tissue. In addition, UD induced a marked decrease in OVA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus production in lung tissue. These effects were correlated with HO-1 mRNA and protein induction. Our results indicate that UD protects against OVA-induced airway inflammation, at least in part, via HO-1 upregulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by biphasic airway obstruction. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of asthmatic conditions. Thus, identification of oxidative stress markers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue from ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice could provide new insights into both the pathogenesis of the disease and the possible use of anti-oxidants to alleviate disease severity. In this study, we investigated the effect of an ethanolic extract of Alpinia katsumadai seeds (AK) on a murine model of OVA-induced asthma model. The anti-oxidant and anti-asthmatic effects of AK on OVA-induced murine airway reaction were determined through observation of Th2-type cytokine levels, eosinophil recruitment, and lung histopathology. AK was found to significantly inhibit increases in Th2-type cytokines and mRNA expression such as IL-4 and IL-5 in BALF and lung tissue, and effectively suppressed IgE, IgG2a, eosinophilia, and mucus hypersecretion in the asthmatic mouse model. Also, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in BALF was diminished by AK treatment. These findings indicate that oxidative stress may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of OVA-induced asthma model and that AK may have applications in the treatment of asthma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]