SML0417 from Saussurea lappa ameliorates asthma features in murine allergic asthma model

Abstract

BackgroundThe root of Saussurea lappa has traditionally been used as an ingredient in the treatment of asthma, rheumatism, abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, and other conditions. Extracts of Saussurea lappa were reported to alleviate house dust mite‐induced atopic‐like dermatitis in Nc/Nga mice, and sesquiterpene lactones were isolated.METHODSTo elucidate whether SML0417, a sesquiterpene lactone has beneficial effects on allergic asthma, anti‐asthma effects were studied using female Balb/c mice and rat RBL‐2H3 mast cells. Antigen‐induced degranulation was measured in vitro by measuring β‐hexosaminidase activity. A murine ovalbumin‐induced allergic asthma model was used to test the in vivo efficacy of SML0417.RESULTSAntigen‐induced degranulation was inhibited by SML0417. Sensitization and challenge of ovalbumin induced allergic asthma responses. Histologic studies showed administration of SML0417 reduced inflammatory signs and mucin production in lungs. Administration of SML0417 decreased numbers of inflammatory cells, especially eosinophils, and reduced the expression and secretion of Th2 cytokines, including IL‐4 and IL‐13, in lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.CONCLUSIONThe present findings provide evidence that SML0417 has a potential therapeutic use in allergic asthma.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.