Codonopsis lanceolata attenuates allergic lung inflammation by inhibiting Th2 cell activation and augmenting mitochondrial ROS dismutase (SOD2) expression

Abstract

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease induced by the inhalation of allergens, which trigger the activation of T helper type 2 (Th2) cells that release Th2 cytokines. Recently, herbal medicines are being considered a major source of novel agents to treat various diseases. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-asthmatic effects of a Codonopsis lanceolata extract (CLE) and the mechanisms involved in its anti-inflammatory effects. Treatment with CLE reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells, especially eosinophils, and the production of mucus in lung tissues. Levels of Th2 cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, and chemokines were also decreased following treatment with CLE. Moreover, Th2 cell proportion in vivo and differentiation in vitro were reduced as evidenced by the decreased expression of GATA3+. Furthermore, the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD)2, a mitochondrial ROS (mROS) scavenger, was increased, which was related to Th2 cell regulation. Interestingly, treatment with CLE increased the number of macrophages in the lungs and enhanced the immune-suppressive property of macrophages. Our findings indicate that CLE has potential as a novel therapeutic agent to inhibit Th2 cell differentiation by regulating mROS scavenging.

Key genes and co-expression modules involved in asthma pathogenesis

“…SOD2 could promote the development of inflammation since it is a generator of H 2 O 2 . On the contrary, in our study, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), is identified as an inhibitor of immune responses, as validated by the latest research (Seo et al, 2019). Codonopsis lanceolata extract (CLE) has anti-asthmatic and anti-inflammatory effects.…”

TGF-β3 Induces Autophagic Activity by Increasing ROS Generation in a NOX4-Dependent Pathway

“…Systemic and airway-associated oxidative stress is increased in asthmatic patients compared with healthy individuals [34]. ROS production has been recognized to have a central role in a range of asthmatic pathophysiological processes [35]. Our data found that TGF-β3 could increase DUOX1 is upregulated in epithelial cells in asthmatics [36] and has been identified as a major ROS driver in the airway epithelial cells [31,37,38].…”

A Systematic Review of the Mechanisms Underlying Treatment of Gastric Precancerous Lesions by Traditional Chinese Medicine

“…Experimental studies have shown that Weiqi decoction had an inhibitory effect on gastric inflammation by reducing COX-2 and increasing PGE2 in chronic atrophy gastritis rats with precancerous lesions [39]. Among the decoctions, herbs such as Radix Angelicae Sinensis [68], Radix Astragali [69], Radix Codonopsis [70], and Rhizoma Curcumae [71] were reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the release of inflammatory mediators, which indicated that attenuating the inflammatory injury is a key mechanism of Weiqi decoction in the treatment of GPL. Panax ginseng is a herb used for more than 2000 years as a tonic to relieve fatigue [72].…”