Tanshinone IIA attenuates ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of asthma.

Objectives: Tanshinone IIA (T. IIA), one of the most pharmacologically active components extracted from Salviae miltiorrhiza , has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant features. The aim of the present study is to investigate the benefit of T. IIA on asthma using a murine model of asthma induced by ovalbumin (OVA).
Materials and Methods: Male BALB/c mice were used in the present study. The mice were sensitized by OVA intraperitoneal injection on days 0 and 14, and received aerosolized OVA challenge for 30 min daily on days 21-23. T. IIA (10 mg/kg twice daily) intraperitoneal injection was performed on days 18-23.
Results: Treatment of T. IIA reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) ( P <0.05 for all cases). The OVA-induced elevation of total white blood cells as well as differential white blood cells in BALF and blood were inhibited by T. IIA ( P <0.05 for all cases). Moreover, airway hyperresponsiveness was dampened in T. IIA-treated group ( P <0.05). T. IIA inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-κB in asthmatic mice ( P <0.05). The activity of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 was enhanced in T. IIA-treated group ( P <0.05). T. IIA elevated the activities of heme oxygenase-1, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase ( P <0.05 for all cases).
Conclusion: T. IIA inhibits OVA-induced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. T. IIA is a potential therapeutic agent for asthma.
Competing Interests: No conflict of interest was involved in this research.