Traditional Chinese herb medicine, Lanyuzan granules reduces airway mucus hypersecretion and Bcl-2 expression in murine model of chronic asthma

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the protective effect of Imnyuzan granules on the airway mucus hypersecretion and Bcl-2 expression in a murine model of chronic bronchial asthma(asthma).Methods Female BABL/C mice(n=32)were randomly divided into four groups:the normal group(group A),the model group (group B),the Lanyuzan granules group(group C.0.33 g/kg body mass)and the dexamethasone group (group D,2.0 mg/kg body mass),the chronic asthmatic model was established with the ovalbumin sensitization and repeated inhalation of ovalbumin aerosols.Lung tissue sections were stained with Alieian Blue-Periodic Acid-Schiff(AB-PAS)for identification of goblet cells and immunostained for assessment of Bcl-2.The area of airway epithelium layer(Aep),the positive staining of AB-PAS and Bcl-2 content in the airway wall were calculated with the computerized image analysis system.Finally,all dimensions were referenced to the perimeter of the basement membrane(Pbm)(e.g.Aep/Pbm).Results The diference of the dimensions,such as the positive staining of AB-PAS/Pbm,the positive staining of Bcl-2/Pbm between group B and group C were significant(P＜0.01):Aep/Pbm in B group was significant higher than that in group C (P＜0.01),but no difference with group D(P＞0.05).A close correlation between the positive staining of AB-PAS and the Bcl-2 content(r=0.671,P＜0.001),and the r=0.784 between the Aep/Pbm and the positive staining of Bcl-2 was significant,too.Conclusions Lanyuzan granules might reduce airways mucus ypersecretion moderately in this model by downregulating Bcl-2 expression. Key words: Chronic bronchial asthma; Mucus hypersecretion; Mouse; Lanyuzan granules; Bcl-2