Effects of butylphthalide on bronchial asthma in guinea pigs and involvement of endothelin

Objective: To study the effects of butylphthalide on bronchial asthma in guinea pigs, and investigate the involvement of endothelin. Methods: In guinea pigs, bronchial asthma was induced by injection of ovalbumin(OVA) and provoked by inhalation of OVA, and the effects of butylphthalide on asthma were evaluated through the changes it induced by OVA, pulmonary function, endothelin-1(ET-1) contents and activity of endothelin converting enzyme-1(ECE-1) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), serum and lung tissue, and the gene expression of ET-1 in lung tissue. Results: Butylphthalide significantly improved pulmonary function, lowered asthmatic behavior score, inhibited the activity of ECE-1, and reduced ET-1 gene expression level in lung tissue. Conclusion: Butylphthalide has an anti-asthma effect and the mechanisms involve inhibition of ECE-1 activity and lowering of ET-1geng expression.     

卵蛋白反复吸入哮喘小鼠气道重构模型的建立与评价

目的：探讨哮喘小鼠气道重构模型的建立的方法。方法：SPF级BALB／C6-8周龄雌性小鼠40只随机分成正常对照组、哮喘模型组,每组20只。哮喘组经卵蛋白（OVA）混悬液0．2ml致敏并反复雾化吸入2周、4周,正常对照组由生理盐水代替。各组分别于末次雾化激发后进行取材,收集肺组织,制作石蜡切片,HE染色观察气道中嗜酸性粒细胞;Masson三色染色法观察气道周围胶原沉积情况;PAS染色法观察气道黏液分泌情况;测定单位气道面积基底膜周径（Pbm）、管壁总面积（WAt）、内壁面积（wAi）、平滑肌面积（WAm）、胶原面积（Wcol）、粘液面积。结果：哮喘模型组WAt／Pbm、WAi／Pbm、WAm/Pbm、Wcol／Pbm、粘液分泌面积较正常对照组明显增加。哮喘4周组上述指标均高于其对应2周组（P〈0．05）。结论：反复的过敏原（OVA）吸入可导致哮喘气道重构的发生,是一种较好的建立哮喘小鼠气道重构模型的的方法。     

A novel inhibitory role of microRNA-224 in particulate matter 2.5-induced asthmatic mice by inhibiting TLR2

Epidemiological studies have shown that elevated concentrations of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) correlate with increased incidence of asthma. Studies have highlighted the implication of microRNAs (miRNAs) in asthmatic response. Here, the objective of this study is to explore the effect of miR-224 on PM2.5-induced asthmatic mice. Ovalbumin (OVA) was utilized to establish asthmatic mouse models, which were then exposed to PM2.5, followed by miR-224 expression detection. Next, lesions and collagen deposition area in lung tissue, ratio Treg/Th17, the expression of TLR4 and MYD88, inflammation, eosinophils (EOS) and airway remodelling were evaluated in OVA mice after injection with miR-224 agomir. Following isolation of mouse primary bronchial epithelial cells, miR-224 mimic and TLR2/TLR4 inhibitor were introduced to assess inflammation and the expression of TGF-β, MMP9, TIMP-1, Foxp3, RORγt, TLR2, TLR4 and MYD88. After exposure to PM2.5, lesions and collagen deposition were promoted in lung tissues, inflammation and EOS were increased in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and airway remodelling was enhanced in OVA mice. miR-224 was down-regulated, whereas TLR2/TLR4/MYD88 was up-regulated in OVA mice after treatment with PM2.5, accompanied by Treg/Th17 immune imbalance. Of note, bioinformatic prediction and dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that TLR2 was a target gene of miR-224. Overexpressed miR-224 reduced expression of TGF-β, MMP9, TIMP-1 and RORγt and inflammation but increased Foxp3 expression in bronchial epithelial cells through down-regulating TLR2. In summary, overexpressed miR-224 suppressed airway epithelial cell inflammation and airway remodelling in PM2.5-induced asthmatic mice through decreasing TLR2 expression.     

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester attenuates allergic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in murine model of ovalbumin-induced asthma

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a biologically active ingredient of propolis, which has several interesting biological properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; however, its anti-allergic effects are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to determine whether treatment with CAPE results in significant inhibition of asthmatic reactions in a mouse model. Mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) had the following typical asthmatic reactions: an increase in the number of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid; a marked influx of inflammatory cells into the lung around blood vessels and airways, and airway luminal narrowing; the development of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR); the presence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and Th2 cytokines, including IL-4 and IL-5, in the BAL fluid; and the presence of allergen-specific IgE in the serum. Five successive intraperitoneal administrations of CAPE before the last airway OVA challenge resulted in significant inhibition of characteristic asthmatic reactions. We determined that increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by inhalation of OVA was diminished via the administration of CAPE in BAL fluid, as well as nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) DNA binding activity. These findings indicate that oxidative stress may have a crucial function in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma, and that CAPE may be useful as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of bronchial asthma.     

淫羊藿苷对RSV感染诱发哮喘小鼠体内PGD2水平的影响

摘要 目的：观察淫羊藿苷对RSV感染诱发哮喘小鼠血清及支气管肺泡灌洗液中前列腺素D2（Prostaglandin D2,PGD2）表达水平的影响,以期为哮喘治疗寻找新的靶点。方法：30只Balb/c小鼠随机均分为三组：即正常组,OVA/RSV-YYH组（即淫羊藿苷治疗组）及OVA/RSV-非YYH组（即未经淫羊藿苷治疗组）。卵蛋白致敏RSV感染诱发小鼠哮喘模型成功建立后,予以淫羊藿苷2.5 mg连续腹腔注射治疗2周,比较治疗前后肺功能检测结果、支气管肺泡灌洗液（bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,BALF）中细胞分类计数、血清及BALF中PGD2表达水平、肺组织病理学变化。结果：淫羊藿苷治疗后,哮喘小鼠肺功能较治疗前明显改善,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;PGD2水平较前明显下降,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;各分类白细胞计数较前明显减少,差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）,气道管壁增厚及管腔狭窄现象较前明显改善,肺组织炎症细胞浸润较前减少。结论：淫羊藿苷可有效降低RSV感染诱发哮喘小鼠体内炎性介质PGD2水平,从而改善气道重塑,减轻小鼠的哮喘症状,它可能是以后哮喘治疗的一个新的靶点。     

Nerolidol attenuates airway inflammation and airway remodeling and alters gut microbes in ovalbumin-induced asthmatic mice

Asthma is a common respiratory disease associated with airway inflammation. Nerolidol is an acyclic sesquiterpenoid with anti-inflammatory properties. BALB/C mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) to induce asthma symptoms and given different doses of Nerolidol. We found that Nerolidol reduced OVA-induced inflammatory cell infiltration, the number of goblet cells and collagen deposition in lung tissue. Nerolidol reduced the OVA-specific IgE levels in serum and alveolar lavage fluid in an asthma model. Immunohistochemical staining of α-SMA (the marker of airway smooth muscle) showed that Nerolidol caused bronchial basement membrane thinning in asthmatic mice. The hyperplasia of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) is an important feature of airway remodeling in asthma. ASMCs were treated with 10 ng/mL TGF-β to simulate the pathological environment of asthma in vitro and then treated with different doses of Nerolidol. Nerolidol inhibited the activity of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway both in the lung tissue of OVA-induced mouse and TGF-β-stimulated ASMCs. 16s rRNA sequencing was performed on feces of normal mice, the changes of intestinal flora in OVA-induced asthmatic mice and Nerolidol-treated asthmatic mice were studied. The results showed that Nerolidol reversed the reduced gut microbial alpha diversity in asthmatic mice. Nerolidol changed the relative abundance of gut bacteria at different taxonomic levels. At the phylum level, the dominant bacteria were Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. At the genus level, the dominant bacteria were Lactobacillus, Muribaculaceae, Bacteroides, and Lachnospiraceae. We conclude that Nerolidol attenuates OVA-induced airway inflammation and alters gut microbes in mice with asthma via TGF-β/Smad signaling.     

当归挥发油对哮喘BALB/c小鼠的平喘作用及对Th17免疫活性的影响

目的：探讨当归挥发油对哮喘BALB/c小鼠的平喘作用及对IL-17A、RORγt等Th17细胞活性因子的影响。方法：取雌性小鼠随机分为7组（n=12）：正常对照组、模型对照组、地塞米松组、当归挥发油高中低剂量组及当归油中+地米组,通过注射卵清白蛋白（OVA）致敏、吸入OVA激发的方法来复制哮喘动物模型,在当归挥发油的防治下,考察当归挥发油对哮喘行为学、肺功能、肺组织病理学、血清IL-17A及肺组织RORγt表达的影响。结果：60、120、240 mg/kg当归挥发油可维持哮喘小鼠体重的正常增长,改善哮喘行为学、肺功能及肺组织病理学变化,抑制IL-17A与RORγt的过度表达（P<0.05, 0.01）。同时,当归挥发油与地塞米松配伍后对维持体重的正常增长、缓解IL-17A与RORγt的过度表达具有一定的协同作用。结论：当归挥发油具有明显的防治哮喘作用,抑制IL-17、RORγt过度表达而抑制Th17细胞免疫活性是其作用机制之一;而当归挥发油与糖皮质激素配伍后有一定的协同作用。     

基于高通量测序分析哮喘小鼠呼吸道菌群的变化

通过高通量测序分析哮喘模型小鼠呼吸道菌群的变化情况。

将12只SPF级BALB/c雄性小鼠随机分为对照组和模型组, 每组6只。采用卵清蛋白致敏方法建立哮喘小鼠模型后, 进行支气管组织切片病理学观察, ELISA法检测血清IgE水平, 测定肺指数, 采集咽拭子后提取DNA行高通量测序分析。

与对照组比较, 模型组小鼠血清IgE水平明显升高(P < 0.05), 肺指数明显上升(P < 0.05), 可见支气管上皮粘膜有水肿, 少量淋巴细胞浸润, 平滑肌增生。模型组小鼠呼吸道菌群与对照组比较, 菌种丰度升高, 厚壁菌门较对照组减少(P < 0.05), 放线菌门和变形菌门增多(P < 0.05), 菌群结构有明显差异。

哮喘小鼠存在呼吸道微生态菌群失衡。

     

Neovastat (AE-941) inhibits the airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of asthma

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. Neovastat, having significant antitumor and antimetastatic properties, is classified as a naturally occurring multifunctional antiangiogenic agent. We evaluated the therapeutic effect of Neovastat on airway inflammation in a mouse model of asthma. BALB/c mice were immunized subcutaneously with ovalbumin (OVA) on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 and challenged with inhaled OVA on days 26, 29, and 31. Neovastat was administrated by gavage (5 mg/kg body weight) three times with 12 h intervals, beginning 30 min before OVA inhalation. On day 32, mice were challenged with inhaled methacholine, and enhanced pause (Penh) was measured as an index of airway hyperresponsiveness. The severity of airway inflammation was determined by differential cell count of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. The MMP-9 concentration in BAL fluid samples was measured by ELISA, and MMP-9 activity was measured by zymography. The untreated asthma group showed an increased inflammatory cell count in BAL fluid and Penh value compared with the normal control group. Mice treated with Neovastat had significantly reduced Penh values and inflammatory cell counts in BAL fluid compared with untreated asthmatic mice. Furthermore, mice treated with Neovastat showed significantly reduced MMP-9 concentrations and activity in BAL fluid. These results demonstrate that Neovastat might have new therapeutic potential for airway asthmatic inflammation.     

Anti-IL-13 monoclonal antibody inhibits airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation and airway remodeling

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by reversible bronchial constriction, pulmonary inflammation and airway remodeling. Current standard therapies for asthma provide symptomatic control but fail to target the underlying disease pathology. Furthermore, no therapeutic agent is effective in preventing airway remodeling. Interleukin 13 (IL-13) is a pleiotropic cytokine produced mainly by T cells. A substantial amount of evidence suggests that IL-13 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Therefore, a neutralizing anti-IL-13 monoclonal antibody could provide therapeutic benefits to asthmatic patients. To test the concept we have generated a neutralizing rat anti-mouse IL-13 monoclonal antibody, and evaluated its effects in a chronic mouse model of asthma. Chronic asthma-like response was induced in ovalbumin (OVA) sensitized mice by repeated intranasal OVA challenges. After weeks of challenge, mice developed airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine stimulation, severe airway inflammation, hyper mucus production, and subepithelial fibrosis. When given at the time of each intranasal OVA challenge, anti-IL-13 antibody significantly suppressed AHR, eosinophil infiltration, proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine production, serum IgE, and most interestingly, airway remodeling. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that a neutralizing anti-human IL-13 monoclonal antibody could be an effective therapeutic agent for asthma.     

The concentration of kynurenine in rat model of asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that involves the immune system activation. Evidence is accumulating about the role of kynurenine pathway in the immune system regulation. The kynurenine pathway includes several metabolites of tryptophan, among others kynurenine (KYN). To study the immunological system regulation in asthma a simple and sensitive models of asthma are required. In the present study we induced rat model of asthma using ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization followed by challenge with OVA. The development of asthma has been confirmed by plasma total IgE measurement and the histological examination. The concentration of KYN has been determined in plasma, lungs and liver by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In OVA sensitized rats the concentration of total IgE was statistically significantly increased as compared to VEH sensitized control groups (437.6 +/- 97.7 kU/l vs 159.2 +/- 22.7 kU/l, respectively; p< 0.01). In asthmatic animals, the number of eosinophils, neutrophils and mast cells increased considerably, and epithelial lesion and the increase in airway epithelium goblet cells and edema of bronchial mucosa were present. We did not observe any significant changes in the concentration of KYN in plasma, lungs or liver between studied groups. In conclusion, the concentration of KYN remains unchanged in asthmatic animals as compared to control groups. Further studies using rat model of asthma are warranted to establish the role of kynurenine pathway regulation in asthma.     

布地奈德联合孟鲁司特钠治疗支气管哮喘的有效性和安全性及对肺功能的影响

为了探讨布地奈德联合孟鲁司特钠治疗支气管哮喘的有效性和安全性及对肺功能的影响,并探讨IL-23/IL-17轴在发病过程中的作用,本研究首先通过卵清蛋白(ovalbumin,OVA)给药诱导支气管哮喘大鼠实验模型,对大鼠分别应用布地奈德、孟鲁司特钠、布地奈德+孟鲁司特钠治疗,采用RT-PCR和免疫组化染色检查大鼠肺组织中IL-23和IL-17的表达。然后,将80例支气管哮喘患儿随机分为观察组和对照组,每组40例,观察组采用布地奈德联合孟鲁司特钠治疗,对照组采用布地奈德治疗,两组均治疗1周。比较两组治疗后的疗效、肺功能指标(呼吸频率,潮气量,达峰时间比(TPEF/VE)和达峰容积比(VPEF/VE))和炎症因子(IL-1β,IL-6,IL-17,IL-23和TNF-α)水平。研究显示,哮喘模型大鼠肺组织病变严重且IL-17和IL-23均为高表达(p<0.05)。布地奈德联合孟鲁司特钠对肺组织病理的改善效果更明显,且极大地抑制了IL-23/IL-17轴的激活。支气管哮喘患儿治疗后,观察组的有效率(95.00%)显著高于对照组(82.50%)。观察组的呼吸频率显著低于对照组,而潮气量、达峰时间比和达峰容积比均显著高于对照组(p<0.05)。观察组患儿的炎症因子水平均显著低于对照组(p<0.05)。本研究表明,在治疗支气管哮喘患儿过程中,布地奈德联合孟鲁司特钠通过抑制IL-23/IL-17轴的激活来抑制炎症因子的表达,从而改善了患者的肺功能并提高了治疗效果。     

Inhalation of sphingosine kinase inhibitor attenuates airway inflammation in asthmatic mouse model

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) produced by sphingosine kinase (SPHK) is implicated in acute immunoresponses, however, mechanisms of SPHK/S1P signaling in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma are poorly understood. In this study, we hypothesized that SPHK inhibition could ameliorate lung inflammation in ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged mouse lungs. Six- to eight-week-old C57BL/6J mice were sensitized and exposed to OVA for 3 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours later, mice lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were analyzed. For an inhibitory effect, either of the two different SPHK inhibitors, N,N-dimethylsphingosine (DMS) or SPHK inhibitor [SK-I; 2-(p-hydroxyanilino)-4-(p-chlorophenyl) thiazole], was nebulized for 30 min before OVA inhalation. OVA inhalation caused S1P release into BAL fluid and high expression of SPHK1 around bronchial epithelial walls and inflammatory areas. DMS or SK-I inhalation resulted in a decrease in S1P amounts in BAL fluid to basal levels, accompanied by decreased eosinophil infiltration and peroxidase activity. The extent of inhibition caused by DMS inhalation was higher than that caused by SK-I. Like T helper 2 (Th2) cytokine release, OVA inhalation-induced increase in eotaxin expression was significantly suppressed by DMS pretreatment both at protein level in BAL fluid and at mRNA level in lung homogenates. Moreover, bronchial hyperresponsiveness to inhaled methacholine and goblet cell hyperplasia were improved by SPHK inhibitors. These data suggest that the inhibition of SPHK affected acute eosinophilic inflammation induced in antigen-challenged mouse model and that targeting SPHK may provide a novel therapeutic tool to treat bronchial asthma.     

1′-Acetoxychavicol Acetate Isolated from Alpinia galanga Ameliorates Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma in Mice

The World Health Organization reports that 235 million people are currently affected by asthma. This disease is associated with an imbalance of Th1 and Th2 cells, which results in the upregulation of cytokines that promote chronic inflammation of the respiratory system. The inflammatory response causes airway obstruction and can ultimately result in death. In this study we evaluated the effect of 1′-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) isolated from Alpinia galanga rhizomes in a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma. To generate the mouse model, BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of OVA and then challenged with OVA inhalation for 5 days. Mice in the vehicle control group were sensitized with OVA but not challenged with OVA. Treatment groups received dexamethasone, 25 mg/kg/day ACA, or 50 mg/kg/day ACA for 5 days. Asthma-related inflammation was assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cell counts and histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of lung tissues. Our results showed that ACA reduced the infiltration of white blood cells (especially eosinophils) and the level of IgE in the lungs of mice challenged with OVA and suppressed histopathological changes such as airway remodeling, goblet-cell hyperplasia, eosinophil infiltration, and glycoprotein secretion. In addition, ACA inhibited expression of the Th2 cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, and Th1 cytokines IL-12α and interferon-γ. Because asthmatic reactions are mediated by diverse immune and inflammatory pathways, ACA shows promise as an antiasthmatic drug candidate.     

黄芩苷通过苦味受体促进哮喘小鼠呼吸道炎性细胞凋亡

全球哮喘患者有3亿多人。目前,约有一半患者的病情不能较好地用现有药物来控制。因此,寻找新的更有效的治疗哮喘病的药物是非常必要的。最近的研究发现,苦味受体(bitter taste receptors,Tas2rs)在呼吸系统中表达,且苦味剂对哮喘有治疗潜力,苦味受体可能成为哮喘治疗的新靶点。为此,本文研究了苦味化合物黄芩苷(baicalin,BA)对哮喘的干预作用,分析黄芩苷对哮喘小鼠呼吸道炎性细胞凋亡的干预作用及其与苦味信号转导的关系。选雄性BALB/c小鼠,随机分为对照组(CK组)、腹腔注射致敏加雾化吸入卵清蛋白(ovalbumin,OVA)激发制成的哮喘模型组(OVA组)和黄芩苷灌胃干预哮喘组(OVA+BA组)。结果发现,OVA组小鼠肺泡灌洗液中白细胞总数和分类细胞计数显著增加,黄芩苷干预组白细胞数量显著减少;HE染色后,OVA组小鼠肺组织中可见炎性细胞浸润、肺泡隔增厚和肺泡囊缩小,上述症状在OVA+BA组小鼠肺部明显减轻;实时荧光定量RT-PCR检测发现,肺组织中黏蛋白Muc5ac表达水平在OVA组明显增高(P <0.05),黄芩苷干预组显著低于OVA组(P <0.05)。OVA致敏哮喘小鼠呼吸道中Tas2r108、Tas2r126、Tas2r135和Tas2r143及其下游信号转导分子α-gust和Trpm5下调表达(P <0.05),促凋亡因子P53、Bax和胱天蛋白酶(caspase,Casp)Casp3转录抑制,凋亡抑制基因Bcl2上调表达,胱天蛋白酶3活性显著降低(P <0.05);黄芩苷干预组4个Tas2rs及苦味信号转导分子转录上调(P <0.05),促凋亡基因P53、Bax和Casp3转录上调,Bcl2转录抑制,胱天蛋白酶3活性显著高于OVA组(P <0.05)。结果表明,黄芩苷干预可激活哮喘鼠呼吸道苦味信号转导通路,并使呼吸道炎性细胞减少、黏蛋白分泌减少。即苦味物质黄芩苷可能作为一种苦味受体激动剂,通过激活苦味信号转导系统促进呼吸道炎性细胞凋亡,减轻肺部炎症和损伤,缓解哮喘发作。     

S-nitrosoglutathione supplementation to ovalbumin-sensitized and -challenged mice ameliorates methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction

S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) is an endogenous bronchodilator present in micromolar concentrations in airway lining fluid. Airway GSNO levels decrease in severe respiratory failure and asthma, which is attributable to increased metabolism by GSNO reductase (GSNOR). Indeed, we have found that GSNOR expression and activity correlate inversely with lung S-nitrosothiol (SNO) content and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine (MCh) challenge in humans with asthmatic phenotypes (Que LG, Yang Z, Stamler JS, Lugogo NL, Kraft M. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 180: 226-231, 2009). Accordingly, we hypothesized that local aerosol delivery of GSNO could ameliorate AHR and inflammation in the ovalbumin-sensitized and -challenged (OVA) mouse model of allergic asthma. Anesthetized, paralyzed, and tracheotomized 6-wk-old male control and OVA C57BL/6 mice were administered a single 15-s treatment of 0-100 mM GSNO. Five minutes later, airway resistance to MCh was measured and SNOs were quantified in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Duration of protection was evaluated following nose-only exposure to 10 mM GSNO for 10 min followed by measurements of airway resistance, inflammatory cells, and cytokines and chemokines at up to 4 h later. Acute delivery of GSNO aerosol protected OVA mice from MCh-induced AHR, with no benefit seen above 20 mM GSNO. The antibronchoconstrictive effects of GSNO aerosol delivered via nose cone were sustained for at least 4 h. However, administration of GSNO did not alter total BAL cell counts or cell differentials and had modest effects on cytokine and chemokine levels. In conclusion, in the OVA mouse model of allergic asthma, aerosolized GSNO has rapid and sustained antibronchoconstrictive effects but does not substantially alter airway inflammation.     

喘息的"度"与支气管哮喘阶梯治疗

目的:探讨掌握喘息"度"与支气管哮喘阶梯治疗的关系。方法:充分掌握支气管哮喘分级治疗方案和支气管哮喘病情,将喘息"度"细致化,与分级治疗用药"度"密切结合起来,对于完全理想的控制哮喘将会起到极大的指导作用,对于升阶梯和降阶梯治疗都会起到重要而细致的指导作用。必须将平喘治疗措施置于患者全身病情变化及总体治疗之下,会取得更加理想的哮喘控制效果。而强化支气管哮喘患者教育在支气管哮喘理想治疗中占据极为重要的地位,甚至直接关系到哮喘控制的持久性和稳定性。应得到高度重视。结果:喘息"度"与支气管哮喘的发作程度密切相关,准确把握并分级十分重要。结论:准确把握喘息"度"并与支气管哮喘分级治疗方法结合,将对稳定平息支气管哮喘起到意想不到的效果。     

Downregulation of leukotriene biosynthesis by thymoquinone attenuates airway inflammation in a mouse model of allergic asthma

Chronic airway inflammation is a key feature of bronchial asthma. Leukotrienes are potent inflammatory mediators that play a role in the pathophysiology of asthma, and their levels are elevated in the airways in response to allergen challenge. We examined the anti-inflammatory effect of thymoquinone (TQ), the active principle in the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds, on leukotriene (LT) biosynthesis in a mouse model of allergic asthma. Mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) antigen had an increased amounts of leukotriene B4 and C4, Th2 cytokines, and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. In addition, there was also a marked increase in lung tissue eosinophilia and goblet cell numbers. Administration of TQ before OVA challenge inhibited 5-lipoxygenase, the main enzyme in leukotriene biosynthesis, expression by lung cells and significantly reduced the levels of LTB4 and LTC4. This was accompanied by a marked decrease in Th2 cytokines and BAL fluid and lung tissue eosinophilia, all of which are characteristics of airway inflammation. These results demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effect of TQ in experimental asthma.     

百合知母汤对哮喘大鼠血清、肺泡灌洗液中SP-A 及脏器系数变化的影响

目的:通过百合知母汤对哮喘大鼠的干预,探讨该治疗方法的作用机理。方法:将大鼠随机分成正常组、哮喘模型组、中药大、中、小剂量组、地米组、中西药联用组,除正常组外经卵蛋白免疫建立模型,ELISA法检测各组血清和BALF中SP-A的含量;计算肺脏、胸腺和脾脏的脏器系数。结果:与正常组相比,模型组及小剂量组血清、BALF中SP-A明显降低(P<0.05);与模型组比较,中药各剂量组、地米组及中西药联用组血清和BALF中SP-A有统计学意义(P<0.05);中药各剂量组间比较,中剂量组血清和BALF中SP-A均高于小剂量组,差异有统计学意(P<0.05);模型组肺脏器系数明显高于正常对照组(P<0.05)。结论:百合知母汤可显著升高血清和BALF中SP-A含量,对肺组织有很大影响。