A nebulized complex traditional Chinese medicine inhibits Histamine and IL-4 production by ovalbumin in guinea pigs and can stabilize mast cells in vitro

Abstract

BackgroundTraditional Chinese medicines have been used for anti-asthma treatment for several centuries in many Asian countries, and have been shown to effectively relieve symptoms. Our previous study demonstrated that a complex traditional Chinese medicine (CTCM) administered in nebulized form through the intratracheal route is effective against early-phase air-flow obstruction and can inhibit IL-5 production in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized guinea pigs. However, the antiasthmatic mechanisms of CTCMs are still unclear.MethodsIn this study, we examined the underlying mechanism of a CTCM that we used in our previous study in order to ascertain its function in the early-phase response to OVA challenge.In each group, 10–12 unsensitized or OVA-sensitized guinea pigs were treated with nebulized CTCM before OVA challenge, and the airway responses of the animals to OVA were recorded. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected 5 min after OVA challenge, and the histamine and IL-4 contents in the BALF were measured. P815 cells (a mouse mast cell line) were untreated or pretreated with CTCM or cromolyn sodium (a mast cell stabilizer), and incubated with Compound 48/80 (mast cell activator) for 9 hr. The levels of histamine and IL-4 released from the cells were quantified.ResultsWe found that the inhibition of bronchoconstriction by the CTCM was attenuated by pretreatment with propranolol, suggesting that the CTCM has a bronchodilator effect that is associated with beta-adrenergic receptor. Our results also showed that the CTCM inhibited histamine and IL-4 secretion in the OVA-induced airway hypersensitivity in guinea pigs at 5 min post-OVA challenge, and in vitro study revealed that the CTCM is able to stabilize mast cells.ConclusionIn conclusion, our results suggested that the CTCM is a kind of bronchodilator and also a mast cell stabilizer. Our findings provide useful information regarding the possible mechanism of the CTCM, and show its potential for application in the treatment of allergenic airway disease.

Systematic Review: Guideline-Based Approach for the Management of Asthma and Subtypes via Chinese Medicine

“…These included Glycyrrhiza uralensis [ 7 – 24 ], Prunus armeniaca [ 25 , 26 ], Pinellia ternata [ 27 ], Asarum sieboldii [ 28 , 29 ], Pheretima aspergillum [ 30 – 37 ], Aster tataricus [ 38 , 39 ], Fritillaria cirrhosa [ 40 – 43 ], Lepidium apetalum [ 44 ], Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae [ 45 – 47 ], Cortex Mori [ 48 – 52 ], Ephedra sinica Stapf [ 53 – 56 ], Zingiber officinale Roscoe [ 57 ], Tussilago farfara [ 58 – 61 ], Platycodon grandifloras [ 62 – 65 ], Fritillaria thunbergii [ 66 , 67 ], Paeonia lactiflora [ 68 – 71 ], Magnolia officinalis [ 72 – 77 ], Bupleurum chinense [ 78 , 79 ], Scutellaria baicalensis [ 80 – 86 ], Anemarrhena Rhizoma [ 87 , 88 ], Gypsum fibrosum , Eriobotryae Folium [ 89 ], Cinnamomi Ramulus [ 90 ], Zingiberis rhizoma , Schisandra Fructus [ 91 – 93 ], and Perilla frutescens [ 94 ].…”

Compound 48/80, a Mast Cell Stimulator, Enhances Synthesis of IgE and IgG Induced by Intranasal Application of Ovalbumin in Mice

“…Although C48/80 is widely used as an inducer of degranulation and histamine release, C48/80-treated cultured mast cells also release PGD 2 , leukotriene 4 (LTC 4 ), TNF-alpha and IL-4 as well as histamine [7][8][9]14) in vitro. These mediators can promote the maturation, functional activation and migration of dendritic cells, favoring the development of sensitization to additional antigens; promote the recruitment and activation of Th2 cells; and control B cell class switching to IgE producing plasma cells.…”

“…Although C48/80 is a well-established inducer of degranulation and histamine release, C48/80 also induces the induction of mediators and cytokines such as prostaglandin D 2 (PGD 2 ), TNF-alpha and IL-4 that are involved in antibody synthesis. [7][8][9] To clarify the effect of mast cell activation in local IgE synthesis in allergic rhinitis, we investigated whether simultaneous co-treatment with C48/80, a mast cell stimulator, enhances synthesis of IgE and immunoglobulin G (IgG) induced by intranasal application of ovalbumin (OVA), and induces allergic rhinitis in mice. …”

Ganoderma formosanum polysaccharides attenuate Th2 inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of allergic asthma

“…Because allergic asthma is a Th2-mediated inflammatory disease, theoretically, substances that exhibit antiinflammatory and/or Th1-skewing properties could potentially be used to ameliorate the disease. Numerous herbs, phytochemicals, and vitamins have been investigated for their interactions with the immune system and used as complementary and alternative medicines in treating atopic disorders (Chang et al 2013 ; Chang et al 2011 ; Hwang et al 2012 ; Lee et al 2012a ; Lee et al 2010 ; Lee et al 2012b ; Mainardi et al 2009 ; Rao et al 2013 ; Wang et al 2013 ). Ganoderma is a medicinal fungus that is considered to be a therapeutic biofactory with numerous pharmacologically active components (Paterson 2006 ).…”