Effect of fluticasone and salmeterol on tracheal responsiveness to ovalbumin and lung inflammation, administrated during and after sensitization

Phytochemical Characteristics and Anti-Inflammatory, Immunoregulatory, and Antioxidant Effects of Portulaca oleracea L.: A Comprehensive Review

Portulaca oleracea L. (P. oleracea) or purslane is a plant from the Portulacaceae family, which is used as food and traditional medicine for various diseases. This review article provides comprehensive information on the antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties of P. oleracea and its constituents. The literature survey of the different databases until the end of June 2023 was explored based on the keywords including the "P. oleracea, purslane, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties." The plant contains flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and some other compounds. The results indicated that P. oleracea and its constituents showed anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties through reduction of inflammatory mediators including interferon gama (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nitric oxide. Improvement in cytokines' serum levels (IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-4) and increased IgG and IgM serum levels, as well as reduction of IgE, phospholipase A2, and total protein were demonstrated for P. oleracea. The plant and its constituents also improved oxidative stress by reduction of oxidant and increase of antioxidant markers. P. oleracea could be considered as an effective remedy for various inflammatory and immune diseases.

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). G0-I (negative control), G0-II (positive control), whereas GI (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.

Possible therapeutic effects of Crocus sativus stigma and its petal flavonoid, kaempferol, on respiratory disorders

CONTEXT

Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae), or saffron, has been used as food additives and spices. In the traditional medicine of Iran, C. sativus has been used for the treatment of liver disorders, coughs, and as an anti-inflammatory agent for eyes.

OBJECTIVE

The current study reviewed the possible therapeutic effects of C. sativus stigma and its petal flavonoid (kaempferol) on respiratory disorders with several mechanisms such as anti-inflammatory, and smooth muscle relaxant effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review article searched databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, up to November 2019. The keywords including; 'Crocus sativus', 'saffron', 'kaempferol', 'airway inflammation', and 'smooth muscle relaxant' were searched.

RESULTS

C. sativus reduced nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels and inflammatory cytokines in the lung tissue. Saffron and kaempferol reduced white blood cells (WBCs) and the percentage of neutrophils and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Moreover, saffron reduced tracheal responsiveness to methacholine and ovalbumin on tracheal smooth muscles. In addition, kaempferol reduced the total leukocyte and eosinophil counts similar to the effect of dexamethasone and also showed relaxant effects on smooth muscle.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Crocus sativus and its petal flavonoid, kaempferol, showed relatively potent therapeutic effects on respiratory disorders by relaxation of tracheal smooth muscles via stimulatory or blocking effects on β-adrenoceptor and muscarinic receptors, respectively. Saffron and kaempferol also decreased production of NO, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in respiratory systems.

The Possible Therapeutic Effects of Some Medicinal Plants for Chronic Cough in Children

The use of plants or their isolated bioactive components for the prevention and treatment of various disorders has been developed. Here, we aim to identify effective medicinal plants for relief of cough and respiratory symptoms in children. The data of this review article were obtained from published articles in scientific databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, until December 2019. The keywords, including "Zataria multiflora Boiss." OR "Portulaca oleracea L." OR "Ferula assa-foetida L." OR "Nigella sativa L." AND "respiratory symptoms" OR "airway inflammation" OR "smooth muscle relaxant effects," were searched individually or combined. The mentioned medicinal plants decreased total white blood cell (WBC), neutrophils, and eosinophils counts of blood and lung lavage in animal model-induced respiratory disorders. These plants also have protective effects on serum immunoglobulin, antibody titer, eosinophil count, and proinflammatory cytokines. Evidence from the studies indicated that the abovementioned medicinal plants have smooth muscle relaxant properties (bronchodilator effects) via stimulation of β-adrenoceptor or inhibition of muscarinic receptors (in vitro) and also improved the pulmonary function test in clinical settings. These medicinal plants are safe and easy to use. Based on the anti-inflammatory, anti-antispasmodic, and immunomodulatory effects, the clinical benefit may be assumed, therefore considering a place for these medicinal plants in relieve of chronic cough and symptoms of children's allergy, asthma, and common cold.

Anti-Asthmatic Effects of Portulaca Oleracea and its Constituents, a Review

OBJECTIVES

The medicinal plants are believed to enhance the natural resistance of the body to infections. Some of the main constituents of the plant and derived materials such as, proteins, lectins and polysaccharides have anti-inflammatory effects. Portulaca oleracea (P. oleracea) were used traditionally for dietary, food additive, spice and various medicinal purposes. This review article is focus on the anti-asthmatic effects of P. oleracea and its constituents.

METHODS

Various databases, such as the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched the keywords including "Portulaca oleracea", "Quercetin", "Anti-inflammatory", "Antioxidant", "Cytokines", "Smooth muscle ", and " Relaxant effects " until the end of Jul 2018.

RESULTS

P. oleracea extracts and its constituents increased IFN-γ, IL-2, IFNγ/IL-4 and IL- 10/IL-4 ratio, but decreased secretion of TNF-α, IL-4 and chemokines in both in vitro and in vivo studies. P. oleracea extracts and quercetin also significantly decreased production of NO, stimulated β-adrenoceptor and/or blocking muscarinic receptors in tracheal smooth muscles. Conclusion: P. oleracea extracts and quercetin showed relatively potent anti-asthmatic effects due to decreased production of NO, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, reduced oxidant while enhanced antioxidant markers, and also showed potent relaxant effects on tracheal smooth muscles via stimulatory on β-adrenoceptor or/and blocking muscarinic receptors.

Contributory Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Not Conditioned Media, On Ovalbumin-Induced Asthmatic Changes in Male Rats

Our aim in selecting an appropriate cell fraction and conditioned media (CM) was to achieve the suitable candidate for ameliorating long-term chronic asthmatic changes of respiratory tract. Thirty-six rats were classified into healthy and sensitized groups, which were further divided into three subgroups; rats received systemically 50 μl volume of PBS, CM, or 2 × 10⁶ rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBMMSCs). Tracheal responsiveness (TR), immunologic responses, and recruitment of rBMMSCs into the lungs were evaluated. A high degree of TR and total WBC and percentages of eosinophils and neutrophils was significantly recorded in all sensitized groups rather than of controls (p < 0.001 to p < 0.05). Concurrently, a significant improvement of TR and eosinophil and neutrophil return toward normal levels was evident in sensitized rats receiving cells as compared to parallel asthmatic animals. Flow cytometric monitoring of lymphocyte subpopulation revealed a decrease in the number of CD3⁺CD4⁺ and concurrent increase in CD3⁺CD8⁺ in all sensitized rats as compared to control (p < 0.001 to p < 0.05). Noticeably, no significant modulatory effects of either cell or CM administration were achieved on the CD3⁺CD4⁺ and CD3⁺CD8⁺ populations in non-asthmatic rats. Corroborating our results, the number of CD3⁺CD4⁺ tended to increase (p < 0.05) which coincided with a decreased manner of CD3⁺CD8⁺ populations as compared to other asthmatic groups (p < 0.01 to p < 0.05). Moreover, stem cells could efficiently transmigrate to the lung parenchyma, albeit the dynamic of asthmatic changes stimulated the rate of recruited cells. Our study shed light on superior effects of mesenchymal stem cells, but not CM, in attenuating chronic asthmatic changes in the model of rat.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and their conditioned media could potentially ameliorate ovalbumin-induced asthmatic changes

BACKGROUND

The major feature of asthma is governed by chronic airway inflammation. This investigation was proposed to achieve the suitable candidate for ameliorating long-term chronic asthmatic changes of respiratory tract.

METHODS

36 rats were classified into healthy (C) and ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized animals (S). To sensitize, the rats were exposed to OVA over a course of 32±1days. One day after sensitization, equal six different groups were subjected to experimental procedure (n=6); Rats only received intratracheally 50ml PBS (CPT and SPT groups), 50μl conditioned medium (CM) (CST and SST groups) and 50μl PBS containing 2×10⁶ rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBMMSCs) (CCT and SCT groups). Two weeks after treatment, tracheal responsiveness, immunologic responses and recruitment of rBMMSCs into the lung as well as pathological changes were evaluated.

RESULTS

A high degree of tracheal responsiveness, total white blood cell and percentages of eosinophil and neutrophil was significantly recorded in all sensitized groups rather than of controls (p<0.001 to p<0.05). Of interest, all above-mentioned parameters decreased significantly in SST and notably SCT groups as compared to S group (p<0.001 to p<0.05). The results revealed decrease number of blood CD3⁺CD4⁺ and concurrent increase in CD3⁺CD8⁺ in all sensitized rats as compared to control (p<0.001 to p<0.05). Noticeably, no significant modulatory effects of either cell or CM administration were achieved on the CD3⁺CD4⁺ and CD3⁺CD8⁺ populations in non-asthmatic rats. Moreover, the number of CD3⁺CD4⁺ in SST and SCT groups tended to increase, which coincided with a decreased manner of CD3⁺CD8⁺ populations as compared with S group (p<0.001 to p<0.05). However, the CD3⁺CD4⁺ cells in SCT rats were significantly higher than the group SST (p<0.01) whereas CD3⁺CD8⁺ cells diminished simultaneously (p<0.001). Real-time PCR analysis further showed that both CM and particularly MSCs changed the expression of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 in the asthmatic groups to the near level of control rats (p<0.001 to p<0.05). Histopathological analysis revealed a profound reduction of lungs injuries in asthmatic rats when received CM and peculiarly mesenchymal stem cells (p<0.01 to p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study shed light on the superior effects of rBMMSCs, rather than CM, in attenuating of chronic asthmatic changes in the rat model.