Immunomodulatory effect of Quercetin on dysregulated Th1/Th2 cytokine balance in mice with both type 1 diabetes and allergic asthma

Abstract

T-helper subtype imbalance is intricate in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and asthma initiation. The role of quercetin in immune dysregulation in comorbid conditions of T1D and asthma is not available. In this study, it was thought worthy to evaluate the role of quercetin on modulating Th1/Th2 cytokine dysregulation in comorbid diabetic asthma. Male Balb/c mice were injected intravenously with alloxan (80 mg/kg) to persuade T1D. Succeeding diabetes introduction, two intraperitoneal sensitizing doses of ovalbumin emulsion (50 µg ovalbumin blended with 2.5 mg alum/sensitization) were given on days 3 and 8. Mice were given intranasal challenges of ovalbumin (100 µg ovalbumin/25 µl of sterile saline) on days 13-15. Oral quercetin treatment (10-30 mg/kg) was given daily on days 3-15. Nasal hyperresponsiveness (NHR) was recorded immediately after Ova challenge on day 16. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), blood, and lungs were collected 1-hour post NHR for further analysis. Quercetin treatment significantly decreased eosinophils, interleukin-4 while increasing interferon-gamma in blood, and BALF and reduced the allergic airway inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory cell infiltration and mucous cell metaplasia. Furthermore, quercetin with a dose of 30 mg/kg demonstrated a significant glucose reduction. Thus, quercetin exerted dose-dependent anti-asthma activity by modulating Th1/Th2 balance with glucose-lowering potential in comorbid mice.

Analytical Method Development, Validation, and Estimation of Lupeol, Quercetin, Vasicine in Polyherbal Formulations and Selected Plant Species by using UFLC-MS

“…Quercetin is a natural flavonoid compound that has been recently reported to be a potent (Mpro) primary protease inhibitor in vitro 32 . Quercetin therapy characteristically reduced interleukin-4and eosinophils while increasing interferon-gamma in blood, Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (BALF), shrinking the allergic airway inflammation by inhibiting mucous cell metaplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration 33 . Quercetin is potentially used in the anti-inflammatory reprogramming of the citric acid cycle and increased antioxidant protection 34 .…”

Nutraceuticals as Modulators of Immune Function: A Review of Potential Therapeutic Effects

“…Polyphenols may help regulate pancreatic β cells, type 1 diabetes, and complications associated with type 1 diabetes ( Apaya et al, 2020 ). Quercetin treatment in mice with type 1 diabetes modulated Th1/Th2 balance, suggesting its glucose-lowering potential ( Ravikumar and Kavitha, 2020 ). In addition, butein was involved in the prevention of cytokine-induced β cell damage and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, thereby preventing the progression of type 1 diabetes ( Jeong et al, 2011 ).…”