Momordica charantia L. improves airway hyperresponsiveness and suppresses inflammation in a murine model of allergic asthma

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a hydroethanolic extract of Momordica charantia L. (“bitter melon”, Cucurbitaceae) leaves (MCHA) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model. Balb/c mice were sensitized twice and challenged for 4 alternate days with OVA and then treated with MCHA (500 mg/kg) for 7 consecutive days. Methods: Control groups received treatment with normal saline or dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) on the same day. We assessed in vivo bronchial hyperresponsiveness and ex-vivo inflammation and mucus production in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), lung homogenates, and lung tissue. Results: MCHA significantly improved airway hyperresponsiveness near baseline levels. MCHA administration significantly improved airway and lung inflammation, demonstrated by decreased total and inflammatory cells in BAL, lower levels of IL-5 and IL-13 in lung homogenate, and fewer inflammatory cells in lung tissue. Additionally, MCHA significantly diminished goblet cells in lung tissue. Conclusions: Administration of a hydroethanolic extract of M. charantia leaves was effective in treating OVA-induced asthma in an animal model.

Overexpression of SESN1 improves mitochondrial damage and mitophagy, a potential therapeutic strategy for cognitive dysfunction after anaesthesia

“…This complication not only hinders patient recovery but can also escalate postoperative complications, extend hospital stays and detrimentally affect quality of life post‐discharge. Clinical studies have indicated that sevoflurane, an alkane inhalational anaesthetic frequently utilized in general anaesthesia (GA) (Frota et al, 2022), could trigger escalated inflammation and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in aged rats, consequently leading to cognitive dysfunction. This is considered a critical factor in POCD pathogenesis.…”