Abstract
BackgroundAllergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to allergens, airway oedema, increased mucus secretion, excess production of T helper-2 (Th2) cytokines, and eosinophil accumulation in the lungs. Corni fructus (CF) is a fruit of Cornus officinalis Sieb. Et. Zucc. (Cornaceae) and has been used in traditional Korean medicine as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and diuretic agent. To investigate the anti-asthmatic effects of CF and their underlying mechanism, we examined the influence of CF on the development of pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model of allergic asthma.MethodsIn this study, BALB/c mice were systemically sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) by intraperitoneal (i.p.), intratracheal (i.t.) injections and intranasal (i.n.) inhalation of OVA. We investigated the effect of CF on airway hyperresponsiveness, pulmonary eosinophilic infiltration, various immune cell phenotypes, Th2 cytokine production, and OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) production.ResultsThe CF-treated groups showed suppressed eosinophil infiltration, allergic airway inflammation, and AHR via reduced production of interleuin (IL) -5, IL-13, and OVA-specific IgE.ConclusionsOur data suggest that the therapeutic effects of CF in asthma are mediated by reduced production of Th2 cytokines (IL-5), eotaxin, and OVA-specific IgE and reduced eosinophil infiltration.
Highlights
Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to allergens, airway oedema, increased mucus secretion, excess production of T helper2 (Th2) cytokines, and eosinophil accumulation in the lungs
Inhibitory effect of Corni fructus (CF) on AHR In a mouse model of allergic asthma, we evaluated the effects of CF delivered by nebulisation only or in combination with oral administration
Both CF treatments were efficient for reducing AHR to methacholine, as determined by whole-body plethysmography (Figure 1A)
Summary
Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to allergens, airway oedema, increased mucus secretion, excess production of T helper (Th2) cytokines, and eosinophil accumulation in the lungs. (Cornaceae) and has been used in traditional Korean medicine as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and diuretic agent. To investigate the anti-asthmatic effects of CF and their underlying mechanism, we examined the influence of CF on the development of pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model of allergic asthma. Allergic asthma generally presents with symptoms of wheezing, coughing, breathlessness, and airway inflammation. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, characterized by airway eosinophilia and goblet cell hyperplasia with mucus hypersecretion to inhaled allergens and nonspecific stimuli [1,2]. CF is a Korean traditional medicinal herb with tonic, analgesic, and diuretic activity and has been commonly used to facilitate liver and kidney function, reduce urination, and decrease perspiration. No study far has addressed the anti-asthmatic and anti-inflammatory activity of CF in vivo
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
