Abstract
BackgroundFruits of Vitis vinifera L., commonly known as grapes, are largely consumed worldwide because of their high nutritional and medicinal benefits.Context and purposeThe present study investigated effects of V. vinifera fruits in ovalbumin-induced animal model of bronchial asthma.MethodsMale wistar rats (except group 1) were sensitized with allergen (ovalbumin, 40 mg/rat + aluminum hydroxide, 2 mg/rat). Groups of sensitized animals were treated orally with either vehicle (0.4 mL/kg), standard dexamethasone (2.5 mg/kg) or alcoholic extract of V. vinifera dried fruits (31 and 42.5 mg/kg) from day 1 to 28 (n = 6 for all groups). Inflammatory markers including cell counts, cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor, immunoglobulin E (IgE), leukotrienes and nitrite levels in both blood/serum and bronchoalveolar fluid were analysed. Breathing rate and tidal volume as lung function parameters were examined by spirometer. Lung tissues were studied for histamine content and histopathology.ResultsTreatment of sensitized animals with dexamethasone or two doses of V. vinifera fruits extract inhibited recruitment of inflammatory cytokines, IgE, nitrites and circulating cells particularly eosinophils in blood/serum and bronchoalveolar fluid (p < 0.001, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). Dexamethasone and V. vinifera fruits extract treatment also normalized lung functions and histamine levels compared to ovalbumin-sensitized controls (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). Moreover, both drugs exhibited protection against airway inflammation in lung histology.ConclusionResults of study demonstrate the effectiveness of V. vinifera fruits in allergic asthma possibly related to its ability to inhibit cellular response and subsequent production of inflammatory cytokines.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13223-016-0145-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Fruits of Vitis vinifera L., commonly known as grapes, are largely consumed worldwide because of their high nutritional and medicinal benefits.Context and purpose: The present study investigated effects of V. vinifera fruits in ovalbumin-induced animal model of bronchial asthma
Results of study demonstrate the effectiveness of V. vinifera fruits in allergic asthma possibly related to its ability to inhibit cellular response and subsequent production of inflammatory cytokines
Allergic asthma is primarily initiated by a type I hypersensitivity reaction which represents increased susceptibility to produce immunoglobulin E (IgE) in response to external allergens, secretion and differentiation of which is dependent on CD4+ helper T cells (TH2-type) [20, 21]
Summary
Fruits of Vitis vinifera L., commonly known as grapes, are largely consumed worldwide because of their high nutritional and medicinal benefits.Context and purpose: The present study investigated effects of V. vinifera fruits in ovalbumin-induced animal model of bronchial asthma. Fruits of Vitis vinifera L., commonly known as grapes, are largely consumed worldwide because of their high nutritional and medicinal benefits. Vitis vinifera (Family: Vitaceae), commonly known as grapes, are widely utilized as natural dietary supplements due to their unique phytochemical composition and high nutritional value. Allergic asthma is primarily initiated by a type I hypersensitivity reaction which represents increased susceptibility to produce immunoglobulin E (IgE) in response to external allergens, secretion and differentiation of which is dependent on CD4+ helper T cells (TH2-type) [20, 21]. Activated TH2 cells produce a number of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 which in turn play role in various process such as promoting production of IgE cells by B cells, growth of mast cells (IL-4) and survival of eosinophils by IL-5 [22]. Proinflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) stimulate the expression of vascular adhesion molecules on endothelial cells which result in an increased influx of inflammatory leukocytes into the bronchial tree [24]
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