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Abstract
BackgroundBu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (BZYQT), an herbal formula of traditional Chinese medicine, has been an effective regimen of allergic diseases for nearly 800 years. Our previous report has demonstrated its anti-inflammatory effects in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis, and the aim of this study is to investigate the anti-asthmatic effect of BZYQT.MethodsFemale BALB/cByJNarl mice were sensitized with normal saline (control group) or OVA. Mice sensitized by OVA were fed with distilled water (OVA group), oral 0.5 g/Kg (low-dose group) or 1 g/Kg (high-dose group) of BZYQT solution once daily on days 36-40 besides their routine diet. Airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), eosinophil infiltration, levels of cytokines and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. The lungs and tracheas were removed, and histopathologic examination was subsequently performed.ResultsAHR was significantly reduced in both low- and high-dose BZYQT groups compared with the OVA group after inhalation of the highest dose of methacholine (50 mg/ml). The levels of eotaxin, Th2-related cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), IgE, and eosinophil infiltration in BALF were significantly decreased in both BZYQT groups compared with the OVA group. Histopathologic examination revealed that eosinophil infiltration of the lung and trachea tissues was remarkably attenuated in both BZYQT groups.ConclusionsOral administration of BZYQT solution may exert anti-asthmatic effect by relieving AHR in OVA-sensitized mice, which is compatible with our clinical experience. Although detailed mechanism is to be determined, we surmise that it may be correlated with the immune-modulatory effects of inhibiting Th2 responses on the basis of our limited results.
Highlights
Asthma has become an important public health problem worldwide, and patients with bronchial asthma are usually characterized with symptoms of wheezing, cough, and shortness of breath [1]
Our previous report has demonstrated its anti-inflammatory effects in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis, and the aim of this study is to investigate the anti-asthmatic effect of BZYQT
Oral administration of BZYQT solution may exert anti-asthmatic effect by relieving airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in OVA-sensitized mice, which is compatible with our clinical experience
Summary
Asthma has become an important public health problem worldwide, and patients with bronchial asthma are usually characterized with symptoms of wheezing, cough, and shortness of breath [1]. Chronic inflammation of airways has been identified to play a key role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma, which used to be taken as a disease of bronchial smooth muscles [2, 3]. Airway inflammation in asthma is characterized by acute onset airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and infiltration of inflammatory cells, especially eosinophils [4,5,6]. The onset of asthma is generally attributed to genetic and environmental factors; predominant Th2 cell activity has been identified as part of the core pathogenesis of asthma [9]. Suppression of Th2 cytokines may have the potential to alleviate chronic airway inflammation and, subsequently, the symptoms of asthma [10]. Our previous report has demonstrated its anti-inflammatory effects in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis, and the aim of this study is to investigate the anti-asthmatic effect of BZYQT
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