Effects of vitamin E and selenium on allergic rhinitis and asthma pathophysiology

The correlation between selenium intake and lung function in asthmatic people: a cross-sectional study

Objective

This study aimed to examine the correlation between selenium intake and lung function in asthmatic people.

Methods

A total of 4,541 individuals in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included in this study. Multivariate linear regression, variance inflation factor, restricted cubic splines and quantile regression were used to analyze the relationship between Se intake and lung function. We divided selenium intake into four levels based on quartiles: Q1: Se ≤ 76.75 mcg/d; Q2: 76.75-105.1 mcg/d; Q3: 105.1-137.65 mcg/d; and Q4: Se ≥137.65 mcg/d.

Results

Asthma was negatively associated with the Ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume 1st Second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1/FVC) (β = -0.04, 95% CI: -0.06 to -0.02) and FEV1 (β = -215, 95% CI: -340 to -90). Se intake was positively associated with Forced Expiratory Volume 1st Second (FEV1) (β =3.30 95% CI: 2.60 to 4.00) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) (β =4.30, 95% CI: 3.50 to 5.10). In asthmatic individuals, the positive effects of Se intake on FVC were enhanced with increasing Se intake, while the positive effects of Se intake on FEV1 varied less dramatically. High Se intake (Q4 level, above 137.65 mcg/d) improved FVC (β = 353, 95% CI: 80 to 626) and FEV1 (β = 543, 95% CI: 118 to 969) in asthmatic patients compared to low Se intake (Q1 level, below 76.75 mcg/d). At the Q2 level (76.75-105.1 mcg/d) and Q4 level (Se ≥137.65 mcg/d) of Se intake, the correlation between FEV1 and asthma disappeared.

Conclusion

Our research has revealed a positive correlation between selenium intake and lung function in asthma patients and the strength of this positive correlation is related to the amount of selenium intake. We recommend that asthma patients consume 137.65 mcg to 200 mcg of selenium daily to improve pulmonary function while avoiding the adverse effects of selenium on the human body.

Evaluation of Urtica dioica Phytochemicals against Therapeutic Targets of Allergic Rhinitis Using Computational Studies

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent inflammatory condition affecting millions globally, with current treatments often associated with significant side effects. To seek safer and more effective alternatives, natural sources like Urtica dioica (UD) are being explored. However, UD's mechanism of action remains unknown. Therefore, to elucidate it, we conducted an in silico evaluation of UD phytochemicals' effects on known therapeutic targets of allergic rhinitis: histamine receptor 1 (HR1), neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R), cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CLR1), chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on type 2 helper T cells (CRTH2), and bradykinin receptor type 2 (BK2R). The docking analysis identified amentoflavone, alpha-tocotrienol, neoxanthin, and isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside as possessing a high affinity for all the receptors. Subsequently, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to analyze the key interactions; the free energy of binding was calculated through Generalized Born and Surface Area Solvation (MMGBSA), and the conformational changes were evaluated. Alpha-tocotrienol exhibited a high affinity while also inducing positive conformational changes across all targets. Amentoflavone primarily affected CRTH2, neoxanthin targeted NK1R, CRTH2, and BK2R, and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside acted on NK1R. These findings suggest UD's potential to treat AR symptoms by inhibiting these targets. Notably, alpha-tocotrienol emerges as a promising multi-target inhibitor. Further in vivo and in vitro studies are needed for validation.

Studying of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of tectorigenin in ovalbumin-induced asthma mice models

BACKGROUND

Allergic asthma is an important respiratory system problem characterized by airway inflammation, breathlessness, and bronchoconstriction. Allergic asthma and its outcomes are triggered by type 2 allergic immune responses. Tectorigenin is a methoxy-isoflavone with anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of tectorigenin on the pathophysiology of allergic asthma in an animal model.

METHODS

Asthmatic mice were treated with tectorigenin. Then airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), eosinophil percentage, levels of interleukin (IL)-33, IL-25, IL-13, IL-5, IL-4, total and ovalbumin (OVA)-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E, and lung histopathology were evaluated.

RESULT

Tectorigenin significantly (P 〈 0.05) reduced eosinophil infiltration (41 ± 7%) in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF), serum IL-5 level (41 ± 5, pg/mL), and bronchial and vascular inflammation (scores of 1.3 ± 0.2 and 1.1 ± 0.3, respectively) but had no significant effects on AHR, serum levels of IL-33, -25, -13, and -4 (403 ± 24, 56 ± 7, 154 ± 11, and 89 ± 6 pg/mL, respectively), total and OVA-specific IgE (2684 ± 265 and 264 ± 19 ng/mL, respectively), goblet cell hyperplasia, and mucus production.

CONCLUSION

Tectorigenin could control inflammation and the secretion of inflammatory mediators of asthma, so it can be regarded as a potential antiasthma treatment with the ability to control eosinophilia-related problems.

Investigating the effect of mesenchymal stem cells on the rate of clinical and pathological improvement of asthmatic lung in mouse model

Asthma is a pulmonary disease and its pathophysiology includes inflammation, obstruction, edema of the airways, and mucus secretions in the airways. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are self-renewal that use the therapeutic potential of these cells can be applied as treatments of asthma. In this study, the effect of Mesenchyme stem cells on asthma was investigated. MSCs were administrated for asthmatic mice and then, percentage of eosinophils in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), levels of interleukine (IL)-4 and Immunoglubolin (Ig)E were measured. Also histopathological study of lung tissue was done. MSCs administration could control percentage of eosinophils in blood and BALF, levels of IgE and IL-4, eosinophilic inflammation, mucin realizing and goblet cell hyper-plasia. Administration of MSCs as treatment of asthma can be a useful and applicable therapy in control of asthma symptoms.

Effect of dietary interventions on markers of type 2 inflammation in asthma: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 (T2) inflammation is a key mechanism in the pathophysiology of asthma. Diet may have immunomodulatory effects, and a role for diet in T2 inflammation has been suggested in the literature. Indeed, diet and food allergies play a role in children with atopic asthma, but less is known about diet in relation to adult asthma, which is often non-atopic.

OBJECTIVE

To review the effect of dietary interventions on markers of T2 inflammation in adults with asthma.

METHODS

The databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were searched for eligible studies until December 2022. We included studies of all types of foods, nutrients, diets or supplements, either as an exposure or as an intervention, in adults and adolescents with asthma. Outcomes of interest included the T2 biomarkers FeNO, eosinophils, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, eosinophil cationic protein and eosinophil peroxidase. The methodological quality of eligible studies was systematically evaluated, and the results were summarised according to dietary clusters.

RESULTS

The systematic search identified studies on the dietary clusters antioxidants (n = 14), fatty acids, (n = 14), Mediterranean-style diets (n = 5), phytotherapy (n = 7), prebiotics & probiotics (n = 8), vitamin D (n = 7), and other dietary factors (n = 5). Studies within the phytotherapy and omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) clusters showed possible improvements in T2 inflammation. Furthermore, we found little evidence for an effect of antioxidants, prebiotics & probiotics, and Mediterranean-style diets on T2 inflammation. However, heterogeneity in study protocols, methodological shortcomings and limited power of almost all studies make it difficult to fully determine the impact of different dietary approaches on T2 inflammation in asthma.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the current evidence does not support a specific dietary intervention to improve T2 inflammation in asthma. Interventions involving phytotherapy and omega-3 PUFA currently have the best evidence and warrant further evaluation in well-designed and adequately powered studies, while taking into account T2-high phenotypes of asthma.

The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Allergic Diseases

Allergic diseases are a set of chronic inflammatory disorders of lung, skin, and nose epithelium characterized by aberrant IgE and Th2 cytokine-mediated immune responses to exposed allergens. The prevalence of allergic diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis, has increased dramatically worldwide in the past several decades. Evidence suggests that diet and nutrition play a key role in the development and severity of allergic diseases. Dietary components can differentially regulate allergic inflammation pathways through host and gut microbiota-derived metabolites, therefore influencing allergy outcomes in positive or negative ways. A broad range of nutrients and dietary components (vitamins A, D, and E, minerals Zn, Iron, and Se, dietary fiber, fatty acids, and phytochemicals) are found to be effective in the prevention or treatment of allergic diseases through the suppression of type 2 inflammation. This paper aims to review recent advances in the role of diet and nutrition in the etiology of allergies, nutritional regulation of allergic inflammation, and clinical findings about nutrient supplementation in treating allergic diseases. The current literature suggests the potential efficacy of plant-based diets in reducing allergic symptoms. Further clinical trials are warranted to examine the potential beneficial effects of plant-based diets and anti-allergic nutrients in the prevention and management of allergic diseases.

Adherence to an Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Atopic Diseases' Prevalence in Adolescence: The Greek Global Asthma Network Study

OBJECTIVE

Atopic diseases are among the most common morbidities in children and adolescents. The association between adherence to an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern and the prevalence of atopic diseases among adolescents was examined.

METHODS

A total of 1934 adolescents (boys: 47.5%, mean age (standard deviation): 12.7 (0.6) years) were voluntarily enrolled. Participants completed a validated questionnaire on atopic disease status as well as one assessing dietary habits and other sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. A special Diet Anti-inflammatory Index (DAI) score was calculated for the evaluation of adherence to an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern.

RESULTS

A total of 6.9% of the participants reported current asthma symptoms, while 25.3% reported rhinitis symptoms and 8.9% reported eczema. Adolescents with high adherence to an anti-inflammatory diet were 58% less likely to have asthma symptoms compared with those with low adherence when adjusted for multiple confounders (p < 0.01). No significant associations were observed between the level of adherence to an anti-inflammatory diet and the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and eczema.

CONCLUSION

An anti-inflammatory diet seems to be independently associated with a lower prevalence of asthma in adolescents. Thus, pediatricians and other healthcare providers should promote anti-inflammatory dietary patterns as a preventive measure for atopic diseases from early stages of life.

The Role of Vitamins in the Pathogenesis of Asthma

Vitamins play a crucial role in the proper functioning of organisms. Disturbances of their levels, seen as deficiency or excess, enhance the development of various diseases, including those of the cardiovascular, immune, or respiratory systems. The present paper aims to summarize the role of vitamins in one of the most common diseases of the respiratory system, asthma. This narrative review describes the influence of vitamins on asthma and its main symptoms such as bronchial hyperreactivity, airway inflammation, oxidative stress, and airway remodeling, as well as the correlation between vitamin intake and levels and the risk of asthma in both pre- and postnatal life.

Survey the effect of drug treatment on modulation of cytokines gene expression in allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis as common airway disease has high prevalence in all peoples worldwide. In allergic diseases, Th2 cells release type 2 cytokines that support the inflammation in airways. All the drugs used for allergic rhinitis do not cure completely, and the choice of drugs according to cost and efficacy is very important in all groups of atopic patients. Therefore, in this study, the effect of commercial drugs on cytokine gene expression has been studied. Male Balb/c mice were divided into six groups. Allergic rhinitis was induced in five of the six groups with ovalbumin, and four of these five groups were treated with salbutamol, budesonide, theophylline, and montelukast. The fifth group was used as positive control group and the sixth group as negative control group. For the survey, RNA was extracted, cDNA was synthesized, and quantitative real-time PCR was done for 21 genes. The four drugs had different effects on mRNA expression of cytokines (IL-1b, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 22, 25, 31, 33, 37, IFN-γ, TNF-α, TGF-β1, and eotaxin) in the allergic rhinitis groups. Salbutamol can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it has some side effects. Budesonide in the inhaled form is generally safe in pregnancy. Theophylline cannot control allergic attack in the long run. Montelukast is not useful in the treatment of acute allergic attacks. Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of drugs in control of allergic rhinitis via Th2 cytokines can be new approaches in molecular medicine.

Effect of transfected induced pluripotent stem cells with Decorin gene on control of lung remodeling in allergic asthma

Asthma is a complex respiratory disease, which is controlled by genetic and environmental factors. Type 2-dominant immune response is responsible for asthma. Decorin (Dcn) and stem cells have modulatory effect on immune system and may control tissue remodeling and asthma pathophysiology. In this study, immunomodulatory effect of transduced induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with expression of Dcn gene on allergic asthma pathophysiology was evaluated. After transduction of iPSCs with Dcn gene, allergic asthma mice were treated with iPSCs and transduced iPSCs via intrabronchial. Then, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-33, total IgE, leukotrienes (LTs) B4, C4, hydroxyproline (HP) content, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were measured. Also, lung histopathology study was done. AHR, levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-33, total IgE, LTs B4, C4, TGF-β, HP content, mucus secretion, goblet cell hyperplasia, and eosinophilic inflammation were controlled by iPSCs and transduced iPSCs treatment. Therapeutic effect of iPSCs could control main allergic asthma symptoms and related pathophysiologic mechanisms and the effect can be increased when applied with Dcn expression gene.

Immunomodulatory effect of IL-35 gene-transfected mesenchymal stem cells on allergic asthma

Asthma is a common respiratory disease that has no definitive treatment at now. Immune response shifting from T helper (Th)1 to the Th2 is a main problem in asthma, and immunomodulation can help to control asthma. IL-35 and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have regulatory effect on the immune system and may have the ability to control asthma pathology. After culturing MSCs, expression vector of IL-35 (pUNO1-mIL35elasti) was transduced to the MSCs, and then, asthmatic mice were treated with MSCs, MSCs-vector, MSCs-vector-IL-35, and no treatment. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), levels of the cytokines, total and ovalbumin (OVA) specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E, LTB4, and LTC4 were measured. Lung tissue histopathology was also done. MSCs were successfully transduced by pUNO1-mIL35elasti vector, and IL-35 was produced in transduced cells. AHR, levels of the cytokines, IgEs, LTs, goblet cell hyperplasia, mucus secretion, peribronchial, and perivascular inflammation were controlled by MSCs therapy. In MSCs-IL-35 group, these controls were stronger than MSCs without IL-35 group. MSCs had strong effect on control of asthma. Transfected MSCs by expressing IL-35 gene could significantly better control allergic asthma symptoms than MSCs without IL-35. In the future, identification of the IL-35 mechanism of action would be useful to improve cytokine-cell based therapies.

Immunomodulatory effect of IL-2 induced bone marrow mononuclear cell therapy on control of allergic asthma

Asthma is a chronic airway disease. Allergic reactions and T helper (h)2 immune response play a key role in asthma occurrence. Cell therapy can control inflammation and remodeling responses in allergic asthma, and cytokines can change this effect. Therefore, in this study, the effect of treated cell therapy with IL-2 to control allergic asthma was studied. Bone marrow cells were extracted and co-cultured with IL-2 and the cells were used via intra-tracheal administration in allergic asthma mice. Levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, Leukotriene B4 and C4, and remodeling factors were measured. At least, a histopathology test of lung tissue was done. Type2 cytokines, leukotrienes, remodeling factors, mucus secretion, goblet cell hyperplasia, peri-bronchial and peri-vascular inflammation were significantly (p˂0.05) decreased by treating with bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BMDMCs) and IL-2-BMDMCs. Treatment with IL-2-BMDMCs could significantly decrease IL-13, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, HP levels, and mucus secretion (p˂0.05) compared to BMDMCs treatment. In this study, BMDMCs and IL-2-BMDMCs therapy could decrease inflammation, allergic, and remodeling factors in allergic asthma. Cell therapy with BMDMCs had a strong and notable effect on the control of allergic asthma pathophysiology when co-cultured and used with IL-2.

Ferroptosis triggers airway inflammation in asthma

Ferroptosis is a regulatory cell death characterized by intracellular iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation that leads to oxidative stress. Many signaling pathways such as iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism precisely regulate the process of ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is involved in a variety of lung diseases, such as acute lung injury, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis. Increasing studies suggest that ferroptosis is involved in the development of asthma. Ferroptosis plays an important role in asthma. Iron metabolism disorders, lipid peroxidation, amino acid metabolism disorders lead to the occurrence of ferroptosis in airway epithelial cells, and then aggravate clinical symptoms in asthmatic patients. Moreover, several regulators of ferroptosis are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma, such as Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1, mevalonate pathway, and ferroptosis inhibitor protein 1. Importantly, ferroptosis inhibitors improve asthma. Thus, the pathogenesis of ferroptosis and its contribution to the pathogenesis of asthma help us better understand the occurrence and development of asthma, and provide new directions in asthma treatment. This article aimed to review the role and mechanism of ferroptosis in asthma, describing the relationship between ferroptosis and asthma based on signaling pathways and related regulatory factors. At the same time, we summarized current observations of ferroptosis in eosinophils, airway epithelial cells, and airway smooth muscle cells in asthmatic patients.

Effect of transduced mesenchymal stem cells with IL-10 gene on control of allergic asthma

Asthma is an important pulmonary disease associated with T helper lymphocyte (Th)2 dominant immune response, which can initiate allergic and inflammatory reactions. Interleukin (IL)-10 is the main immune suppressor cytokine, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have an immune-modulatory potential that can be transduced with the expression of the IL-10 gene to control pathophysiology of allergic asthma. Bone marrow's MSCs were isolated and transduced with the expression vector that contains the expressible IL-10 gene. Then, allergic asthma mouse model was produced and treated with manipulated MSCs. Methacholine challenge test; measurement of IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, IL-13, IL-25, and IL-33; and total and ovalbumin (OVA)-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels were done. Hyperplasia of the goblet cell, secretion of mucus, and peribronchiolar and perivascular eosinophilic inflammation were evaluated in lung pathological sections. IL-25, IL-33, and total IgE levels; AHR; eosinophilic inflammation; hyperplasia of the goblet cell; and secretion of mucus could be controlled in M, MV, and MV-10 groups, and the control in the MV-10 group was strong compared to M and MV groups. MSCs have immune-modulatory capacity that can control allergic asthma pathophysiology, and this effect can be strengthened and reinforced by the expression of IL-10 gene.

Therapeutic efficacy of spirulina against ovalbumin and cigarette smoke-induced asthma-specific stress biomarkers in Sprague-Dawley rats

Due to the high prevalence of allergies and asthma, awareness about allergens and therapeutic use of functional foods and nutraceuticals have gained immense attention. Spirulina powder is being used as health-boosting and antioxidant agent against several ailments owing to its unique nutritional profile. Considering its antioxidant role, the current study was focused on exploring therapeutic role of spirulina against stress biomarkers in asthmatic model. To assess the therapeutic efficacy of spirulina against allergic asthma-specific oxidative stress biomarkers, a model feed trial was conducted and rats were divided into four groups (n = 10). G_0-I (negative control), G_0-II (positive control), whereas G_I (spirulina) and G₂ (salbutamol) served as treatment groups. Salbutamol is a chemical compound which is used in several antiallergic medicines because it works as bronchodilator. G₂ group was given salbutamol for comparison of results. For asthma induction, rats were given intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin on 7th, 14th, and 21st day. Treatment groups were given spirulina powder (500 mg/kg body weight) and salbutamol (1 mg/kg), respectively, after the induction of asthma. All three asthmatic groups were also exposed to cigarette smoke daily along with respective treatment for 4 weeks. Asthma induction caused an increase in total cell count in bronchioalveolar fluid (BALF), while spirulina treatment reduced total cells in BALF by 33.50% and salbutamol by 41.7%. Level of interleukins (IL) like IL-4 decreased by 33.32% & 48.56% in G₁ and G₂. Similarly, IL-5 and IL-13 levels reduced by 40.9% & 49.9% and 18.62% & 38.02%, respectively, in G₁ and G₂. Serum levels of Immunoglobin-E (Ig-E) declined by 29.70% and 52.82%, while histamine levels were 26.23% & 45.58% less at the end of study in comparison to positive control. Moreover, histological analysis of lung tissue revealed that both spirulina and salbutamol effectively reduced ovalbumin and cigarette smoke-induced moderate to severe necrosis, architectural changes, and congestion. It was concluded that salbutamol showed better results however, spirulina also effectively reduced mild to moderate allergic symptoms in dose-dependent manner. Nutraceutical and functional foods are considered helpful in mitigating oxidative stress-mediated health problems. Spirulina has its unique nutritional profile including phycobiliproteins, phytochemicals, and antioxidant vitamins which make it useful against several ailments. Considering its antioxidant role, current study was focused on exploring therapeutic efficacy of spirulina against stress biomarkers in asthmatic model. Outcomes of present research also demonstrated beneficial effect of spirulina in modulating allergic symptoms. In this regard, ancient concept of "medicine food homology" can be implemented and spirulina can be incorporated in food for additional benefits. However, further research regarding safety aspects is needed for its use in clinical practice for humans.

Therapeutic effects of intranasal tocotrienol-rich fraction on rhinitis symptoms in platelet-activating factor induced allergic rhinitis

Background

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been suggested to be a potent inflammatory mediator in Allergic rhinitis (AR) pathogenesis. Vitamin E, an essential nutrient that comprises tocopherol and tocotrienol, is known as a potential therapeutic agent for airway allergic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of intranasal Tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) on PAF-induced AR in a rat model.

Methods

Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups: Control, PAF-induced AR and PAF-induced AR with TRF treatment. To induce AR, 50 μl of 16 μg/ml PAF was nasally instilled into each nostril. From day 1 to 7 after AR induction, 10 μl of 16 μg/μl TRF was delivered intranasally to the TRF treatment group. Complete upper skulls were collected for histopathological evaluation on day 8.

Results

The average severity scores of AR were significantly higher in the PAF-induced AR rats compared to both control and PAF-induced AR with TRF treatment. The histologic examination of the nasal structures showed moderate degree of inflammation and polymorphonuclear cells infiltration in the lamina propria, mucosa damage and vascular congestion in the PAF-induced AR rats. TRF was able to ameliorate the AR symptoms by restoring the nasal structures back to normal. H&E staining demonstrated a statistically significant benefit upon TRF treatment, where minimal degree of inflammation, and a reduction in the infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells, mucosa damage and vascular congestion were observed.

Conclusion

TRF exhibited symptomatic relief action in AR potentially due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.

Asthma, allergy and vitamin E: Current and future perspectives

Asthma and allergic disease result from interactions of environmental exposures and genetics. Vitamin E is one environmental factor that can modify development of allergy early in life and modify responses to allergen after allergen sensitization. Seemingly varied outcomes from vitamin E are consistent with the differential functions of the isoforms of vitamin E. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that the vitamin E isoforms α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol have opposite functions in regulation of allergic inflammation and development of allergic disease, with α-tocopherol having anti-inflammatory functions and γ-tocopherol having pro-inflammatory functions in allergy and asthma. Moreover, global differences in prevalence of asthma by country may be a result, at least in part, of differences in consumption of these two isoforms of tocopherols. It is critical in clinical and animal studies that measurements of the isoforms of tocopherols be determined in vehicles for the treatments, and in the plasma and/or tissues before and after intervention. As allergic inflammation is modifiable by tocopherol isoforms, differential regulation by tocopherol isoforms provide a foundation for development of interventions to improve lung function in disease and raise the possibility of early life dietary interventions to limit the development of lung disease.

Mineral Micronutrients in Asthma

Asthma represents one of the most common medical issues in the modern world. It is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by persistent inflammation of the airways and disturbances in redox status, leading to hyperresponsiveness of bronchi and airway obstruction. Apart from classical risk factors such as air pollution, family history, allergies, or obesity, disturbances of the levels of micronutrients lead to impairments in the defense mechanisms of the affected organism against oxidative stress and proinflammatory stimuli. In the present review, the impact of micronutrients on the prevalence, severity, and possible risk factors of asthma is discussed. Although the influence of classical micronutrients such as selenium, copper, or zinc are well known, the effects of those such as iodine or manganese are only rarely mentioned. As a consequence, the aim of this paper is to demonstrate how disturbances in the levels of micronutrients and their supplementation might affect the course of asthma.

Tyrosol improves ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in rat model through prevention of airway inflammation

Asthma is an inflammatory disease that affects many people around the world, especially persons at paediatric age group. The effectiveness of tyrosol, a natural phenolic compound, was examined in the asthma model induced by ovalbumin (OVA). For this purpose, four groups, each consisting of eight rats, were arranged. For 21 days, physiological saline solution was treated to the control group and OVA was treated to the groups of OVA, OVA + dexamethasone (Dexa) and OVA + tyrosol groups, intraperitoneally and through inhalation. Additionally, 0.25 mg/kg Dexa was treated to the OVA + Dexa group and 20 mg/kg tyrosol to the OVA + tyrosol group by oral gavage. Serum, blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues of the rats were examined. It was observed that MDA level decreased, GSH level and GPx activity increased, and there was no change in CAT activity in lung tissues of the tyrosol treatment groups. It was also observed that NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IFN-γ and IgE levels decreased compared to the OVA group in lung tissue and serum samples except for serum NF-κB and IL-4. However, no effect on IL-1 β level was observed. In addition, it was determined that tyrosol treatment increased the IL-10 level on both tissue samples. The results of the histopathological investigation of lung tissue showed that tyrosol significantly ameliorated OVA-induced histopathological lesions. Additionally, PAS staining showed that mucus hypersecretion was significantly reduced with the use of tyrosol. In addition, it was determined that the number of eosinophils decreased significantly in blood and BALF samples. The obtained results showed that tyrosol possessed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features on OVA-induced rats and preserved tissue architecture.

Immunomodulatory Role of Nutrients: How Can Pulmonary Dysfunctions Improve?

Nutrition is an important tool that can be used to modulate the immune response during infectious diseases. In addition, through diet, important substrates are acquired for the biosynthesis of regulatory molecules in the immune response, influencing the progression and treatment of chronic lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this way, nutrition can promote lung health status. A range of nutrients, such as vitamins (A, C, D, and E), minerals (zinc, selenium, iron, and magnesium), flavonoids and fatty acids, play important roles in reducing the risk of pulmonary chronic diseases and viral infections. Through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, nutrients are associated with better lung function and a lower risk of complications since they can decrease the harmful effects from the immune system during the inflammatory response. In addition, bioactive compounds can even contribute to epigenetic changes, including histone deacetylase (HDAC) modifications that inhibit the transcription of proinflammatory cytokines, which can contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis in the context of infections and chronic inflammatory diseases. These nutrients also play an important role in activating immune responses against pathogens, which can help the immune system during infections. Here, we provide an updated overview of the roles played by dietary factors and how they can affect respiratory health. Therefore, we will show the anti-inflammatory role of flavonoids, fatty acids, vitamins and microbiota, important for the control of chronic inflammatory diseases and allergies, in addition to the antiviral role of vitamins, flavonoids, and minerals during pulmonary viral infections, addressing the mechanisms involved in each function. These mechanisms are interesting in the discussion of perspectives associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and its pulmonary complications since patients with severe disease have vitamins deficiency, especially vitamin D. In addition, researches with the use of flavonoids have been shown to decrease viral replication in vitro. This way, a full understanding of dietary influences can improve the lung health of patients.