Antiallergic activity of novel isoflavone methyl-glycosides from Cordyceps militaris grown on germinated soybeans in antigen-stimulated mast cells

Immunostimulatory Activity of Cordyceps militaris Fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus SC11 Isolated from a Salted Small Octopus in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunocompromised Mice and Its Inhibitory Activity against SARS-CoV 3CL Protease

In this study, we investigated the immune-enhancing and anti-viral effects of germinated Rhynchosia nulubilis (GRC) fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus SC11 (GRC-SC11) isolated from a salted small octopus. The cordycepin, β-glucan, and total flavonoid contents increased in GRC after SC11 fermentation. GRC-SC11 inhibits 3CL protease activity in severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). GRC-SC11 significantly increased thymus and spleen indices in immunocompromised mice. The rate of splenocyte proliferation was higher in GRC-SC11-treated immunocompromised mice than that in GRC-treated immunocompromised mice in the presence or absence of concanavalin A. In addition, GRC-SC11 increased the phagocytic activity and nitric oxide production in immunocompromised mice. The mRNA expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interferon-alpha (IFN-α), and interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) was up-regulated in GRC-SC11 treated RAW 264.7 macrophages, compared to GRC. Our study indicates that GRC-SC11 might be a potential therapeutic agent for immunocompromised patients who are vulnerable to SARS-CoV infection.

Cordyceps militaris as a Bio Functional Food Source: Pharmacological Potential, Anti-Inflammatory Actions and Related Molecular Mechanisms

Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) is a medicinal mushroom possessing a variety of biofunctionalities. It has several biologically important components such as polysaccharides and others. The diverse pharmacological potential of C. militaris has generated interest in reviewing the current scientific literature, with a particular focus on prevention and associated molecular mechanisms in inflammatory diseases. Due to rising global demand, research on C. militaris has continued to increase in recent years. C. militaris has shown the potential for inhibiting inflammation-related events, both in in vivo and in vitro experiments. Inflammation is a multifaceted biological process that contributes to the development and severity of diseases, including cancer, colitis, and allergies. These functions make C. militaris a suitable functional food for inhibiting inflammatory responses such as the regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Therefore, on the basis of existing information, the current study provides insights towards the understanding of anti-inflammatory activity-related mechanisms. This article presents a foundation for clinical use, and analyzes the roadmap for future studies concerning the medical use of C. militaris and its constituents in the next generation of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermented Cordyceps militaris (GRC-SC11) Suppresses IgE Mediated Mast Cell Activation and Type I Hypersensitive Allergic Murine Model

Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) has various biomedical applications in traditional oriental medicine for different diseases including inflammatory and immune-dysregulated diseases. It is a reservoir of nutritional components such as cordycepin, polysaccharides, and antioxidants. To improve its bioactivity, we fermented C. militaris with a Pediococcus pentosaceus strain isolated from a salted small octopus (SC11). The current study aimed to evaluate whether P. pentosaceus (SC11) fermentation could enhance the anti-allergic potential of C. militaris cultured on germinated Rhynchosia nulubilis (GRC) against a type I hypersensitive reaction in in vitro and in vivo studies. Total antioxidant capacity and cordycepin content were significantly increased in GRC after SC11 fermentation. GRC-SC11 showed significantly enhanced anti-allergic responses by inhibiting immunoglobulin E (IgE)/antigen-induced degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells, compared to GRC. The results demonstrated the significant inhibition of phosphorylated spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk)/ p38/GRB2-associated binding protein 2 (Gab2)/c-jun in IgE/Ag-triggered RBL-2H3 cells. Furthermore, suppressed mRNA levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in IgE/Ag-activated RBL-2H3 cells were observed. GRC-SC11 significantly ameliorated IgE-induced allergic reactions by suppressing the ear swelling, vascular permeability, and inflammatory cell infiltration in passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) BALB/c mice. In conclusion, GRC fermented with P.pentosaceus exerted enhanced anti-allergic effects, and increased the cordycepin content and antioxidants potential compared to GRC. It can be used as bio-functional food in the prevention and management of type I allergic diseases.

Pediococcus Pentosaceus from the Sweet Potato Fermented Ger-Minated Brown Rice Can Inhibit Type I Hypersensitivity in RBL-2H3 Cell and BALB/c Mice Models

In this study, the effect of GBR fermented with the Pediococcus pentosaceus SP024 strain on IgE/Ag mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) was investigated. Protocatechuic acid and trans-ferulic acid levels in GBR-SP024 increased more than those in unfermented GBR, respec-tively. The inhibitory activity of GBR-SP024 on β-hexosaminidase release and the level of proin-flammatory cytokine mRNA expression (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 4 (IL-4)) was observed in IgE/Ag-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Western blot analysis showed that GBR-SP024 significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of the linker for activation of T cell (LAT) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in IgE/Ag-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Further, we investigated the anti-allergic effect of GBR-SP024 using PCA murine model. The number of infiltrated immune cells and degranulated mast cells in GBR-SP024 treated dermis was lower than that in the GBR-treated mice. In addition, mRNA expression of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) in the dermis of ear tissue declined in the GBR-SP024–treated group, compared to that in the GBR group. GBR-SP024 was also more effective than GBR at reducing the levels of IL-33 protein expression in IgE/Ag-stimulated BALB/c mice. Our study suggests the potential usage of GBR-SP024 as a dietary supplement or an adjuvant for treating IgE-dependent-allergic diseases.

Investigation of the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibitory activities of ethanol extract of Bombyx mori pupa-incubated Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies toward allergic rhinitis

Cordyceps militaris has been widely studied for its various pharmacological activities such as antitumor, anti-inflammation, and immune regulation. The binding of an allergen to IgE-sensitized mast cells in nasal mucosa triggers allergic rhinitis. We found that oral administration of 300 mg/kg of the ethanol extract prepared from silkworm pupa-cultivated Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies significantly alleviated the symptoms of ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis in mice, including sneeze/scratch, mast cell activation, eosinophil infiltration, and Syk activation. The treatment of ethanol extract significantly suppressed the release of β-hexosaminidase (a degranulation marker) and mRNA expression levels of various cytokines, including IL-3, IL-10, and IL-13 in activated RBL2H3 cells. The ethanol extract and β-sitostenone, which was purified from the extract, could respectively reduce the Ca2+ ion mobilization in activated RBL-2H3 cells. Furthermore, results collected from western immunoblotting demonstrated that ethanol extract significantly retarded Ca2+ ion mobilization-initiated signaling cascade, which provoked the expression of various allergic cytokines. Also, the extract incubation interfered with P38 as well as NF-kB activation and Nrf-2 translocation. Our study suggested that ethanol extract possessed some natural constituents which could inhibit immediate degranulation and de novo synthesis of allergic cytokines via inhibition of Ca2+ ion mobilization in mast cells in the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis mice.

Isoflavones Suppress Cyp26b1 Expression in the Murine Colonic Lamina Propria

Isoflavones have many biological activities and are major bioactive components of kakkonto, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine. We previously reported that the combined therapy of oral immune therapy (OIT) and kakkonto downregulates the mRNA expression of Cyp26b1, a major retinoic acid (RA)-degrading enzyme, in the colon of food allergy mice and thereby ameliorates allergic symptoms. In this study, we evaluated the effects of various isoflavones on Cyp26b1 expression in primary cultured lamina propria (LP) cells isolated from the mouse colon. The mRNA expression of Cyp26b1 was extremely downregulated by all isoflavones tested in the LP cells except for puerarin. In particular, genistein and genistin markedly suppressed Cyp26b1 mRNA expression without affecting RA-synthesizing enzyme expression. Moreover, to evaluate the effects of isoflavones on allergic reactions, genistein and genistin were administered to ovalbumin (OVA)-induced food allergy mice. Oral administration of genistin suppressed the development of allergic symptoms. These results raise the possibility that isoflavones elevated the level of RA in the colon by inhibiting RA degradation and then the high concentration of RA in the colon might exert immunosuppressive and antiallergic effects on food allergy mice.

Sargassum horneri as a Functional Food Ameliorated IgE/BSA-Induced Mast Cell Activation and Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis in Mice

Sargassum horneri (S. horneri), an edible brown alga, has been proposed as a functional food with an improvement effect on abnormal skin immune responses. The present study investigates the anti-allergic effect of an ethanol extract from S. horneri (SHE) on immunoglobulin E (IgE)/bovine serum albumin (BSA)-mediated activation in bone marrow-derived cultured-mast cells (BMCMCs) and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in mice. SHE markedly and dose-dependently suppressed the degranulation of BMCMCs by reducing the β-hexosaminidase and histamine release without cytotoxicity. In addition, SHE significantly decreased the FcεRI expression on the surface of BMCMCs and its IgE binding. Moreover, SHE reduced the mRNA expression and the production of allergic cytokines; interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13; interferon (IFN)-γ and/or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α; and a chemokine, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), by suppressing the activation of Src-family kinases and nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling. In further study, the application of SHE reduced the PCA reaction in an IgE/BSA-induced type I allergic mice model. Taken together, we suggest that SHE has an anti-allergic effect in type I allergic responses.

Phellinus linteus Grown on Germinated Brown Rice Inhibits IgE-Mediated Allergic Activity through the Suppression of FcεRI-Dependent Signaling Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo

Phellinus linteus (PL) has been used as a traditional herbal medicine owing to its immune regulatory activity. Previous studies reported that PL grown on germinated brown rice (PBR) exerted immunomodulatory, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, role of PBR on type I hypersensitive reactions has not been studied yet. We found that PBR contained more polyphenolic compounds than PL extract. Among fractions, PBR butanol fraction (PBR-BuOH) significantly contained the most amounts of total polyphenolic contents compared with all extracts or fractions. In this study, anti-allergic activity of PBR-BuOH was examined using in vitro and in vivo models of immunoglobulin E/antigen- (IgE/Ag-) stimulated allergy. The inhibitory activity of degranulation was higher in PBR-BuOH (IC₅₀ 41.31 ± 0.14 μg/mL) than in PL-BuOH (IC₅₀ 108.07 ± 8.98 μg/mL). We observed that PBR-BuOH suppressed calcium influx and the level of TNF-α and IL-4 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. The phosphorylation of Fyn, Gab2, PI3K, Syk, and IκB protein is reduced by PBR-BuOH. Oral administration of PBR-BuOH inhibited allergic reactions including the extravasation of Evans blue dye, ear swelling, and infiltration of immune cells in mice with passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA). These findings suggest that PBR-BuOH might be used as a functional food, a health supplement, or a drug for preventing type I hypersensitive allergic disease.

Cordyceps militaris Grown on Germinated Soybean Suppresses KRAS-Driven Colorectal Cancer by Inhibiting the RAS/ERK Pathway

Cordyceps militaris is a commonly used medicinal mushroom containing various therapeutic effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anti-cancer activities. This study examined whether Cordyceps militaris on germinated soybeans (GSC) has a suppressive effect on a v-ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS)-driven colorectal cancer which is notorious for its un-druggable features and the ineffectiveness of conventional therapies against it. GSC extract was prepared and its proximate composition and amino acids were analyzed. The suppressive effects were investigated with the KRAS-driven colorectal cancer cell-line, SW480. SW480 proliferation, clonogenic potential, apoptosis, and the RAS/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway under the GSC treatment were analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay, flow cytometry, and Western blot, respectively. An in vivo experiment with the SW480 xenograft mouse model was performed. As a result, GSC suppressed cell proliferation by inducing the apoptosis of KRAS-driven colorectal cancer cells and inhibited clonogenic capabilities. The decrease of KRAS and ERK phosphorylation was detected by Western blot. Tumor growth was significantly suppressed when GSC was introduced to the tumor-xenograft mouse model. In conclusion, GSC suppressed KRAS-driven colorectal cancer growth both in vitro and in vivo, and can be used as an alternative or simultaneous approach in colorectal cancer therapy.

Immune-enhancing activity of C. militaris fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus (GRC-ON89A) in CY-induced immunosuppressed model

Background

Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) is reported to exert various immune-activities. To enhance its activity, we fermented C.militaris with Pediococcus pentosaceus ON89A (GRC-ON89A). In this study, we investigated the immune-enhancing activity GRC-ON89A, using immunosuppressed model.

Methods

Immunosuppression was induced by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (CY). Each group was orally administered distilled water, GRC-ON89A or GRC, respectively. The phagocytic activities against IgG -opsonized FITC particles were measured using phagocytosis assay kit. The contents β-glucan, cordycepin and SCFA were measured using β-glucan kit, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, respectively.

Results

Among GRC fermented with different probiotic strains (Pediococcus pentossaceus ON89A, Lactobacillus pentosus SC64, Weissella cibaria Sal.Cla22), GRC-ON89A induced the highest elevation of nitric oxide production and enhanced phagocytic activity of RAW 264.7 cells. In primary cultured murine macrophages from normal and CY-treated mice, GRC-ON89A increased phagocytic activity, compared to that in control cells. GRC-ON89A also significantly induced the mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-10 and the levels of phosphorylated Lyn, Syk and MAPK. The contents of β-glucan, cordycepin and SCFA in GRC significantly increased after ON89A fermentation, compared to those in unfermented GRC.

Conclusion

These results indicate that GRC-ON89A exerted the enhanced immunostimulatory activity and contained more nutritional components, compared to unfermented GRC. Our results suggested that GRC-ON89A may be applied as an agent for immune boosting therapy in immune suppressed patients.

Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activity of Phellinus linteus grown on Panax ginseng

Panax ginseng (PG) or Phellinus linteus (PL) have been widely used as traditional medicine owing to their many biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities. Previously, our group produced PL that was grown on PG media (PGP) to enhance anti-cancer activities of PGP. Here we studied the anti-allergic activity of PGP and its mechanism of action. The ethyl acetate fraction of PGP exhibited the anti-allergic activity by suppressing β-hexosaminidase release, a marker of degranulation, from antigen/immunoglobulin E (IgE)-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Exposure to PGP inhibited the level of antigen/IgE-induced TNF-alpha in RBL-2H3 cells. It markedly suppressed the phosphorylation of spleen associated tyrosine kinase, GRB2-associated-binding protein 2 (Gab2) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases proteins, which are required for the degranulation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Its anti-inflammatory activity was observed in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, PGP contained higher contents of Rg1 than PG. Our findings suggest that PGP might be developed as a therapeutic agent for IgE-mediated allergic diseases.

Uncovering the Molecular Mechanism of Anti-Allergic Activity of Silkworm Pupa-Grown Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body

Cordyceps militaris has been widely used as an herbal drug and tonic food in East Asia and has also been recently studied in the West because of its various pharmacological activities such as antitumoral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-allergic activity of ethanol extract prepared from silkworm pupa-cultivated Cordyceps militaris fruit bodies in activated mast cells. Our results showed that ethanol extract treatment significantly inhibited the release of [Formula: see text]-hexosaminidase (a degranulation marker) and mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text] as well as interleukin-4 in RBL-2H3 cells. The cells were sensitized with 2,4-dinitrophenol specific IgE and then stimulated with human serum albumin conjugated with 2,4-dinitrophenol. Oral administration of 300[Formula: see text]mg/kg ethanol extract significantly ameliorated IgE-induced allergic reaction in mice with passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. Western immunoblotting results demonstrated that ethanol extract incubation significantly inhibited Syk/PI3K/MEKK4/JNK/c-jun biochemical cascade in activated RBL-2H3 cells, which activated the expression of various allergic cytokines. In addition, it suppressed Erk activation and PLC[Formula: see text] evocation, which would respectively evoke the synthesis of lipid mediators and Ca[Formula: see text] mobilization to induce degranulation in stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. A compound, identified as [Formula: see text]-sitostenone, was shown to inhibit [Formula: see text]–hexosaminidase secretion from activated mast cells. Our study demonstrated that ethanol extract contained the ingredients, which could inhibit immediate degranulation and de novo synthesis of allergic lipid mediators and cytokines in activated mast cells.

Unusual Anti-allergic Diterpenoids from the Marine Sponge Hippospongia lachne

Hipposponlachnins A (1) and B (2), possessing an unprecedented tetracyclo [9.3.0.0^2,8.0^3,7] tetradecane ring system, and the probable biogenetic precursor [3, (1R*,2E,4R*,7E,10S*,11S*,12R*)-10, 18-diacetoxydolabella-2,7-dien-6-one] of 1‒2 were isolated from the South China Sea marine sponge Hippospongia lachne. The structures of the novel compounds were determined using integrated spectroscopic methods in combination with single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1‒2 showed potent inhibitory activity on the release of β-hexosaminidase, a biomarker for degranulation, as well as the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and lipid mediator LTB₄ in DNP-IgE-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells.

Identification of chemical markers in Cordyceps sinensis by HPLC-MS/MS

Authentication and quality assessment of Cordyceps sinensis, a precious and pricey natural product that offers a variety of health benefits, is highly significant. To identify effective chemical markers, authentic C. sinensis was thoroughly screened by using HPLC-MS/MS. In addition to many previously reported ingredients, two glycosides, i.e., cyclo-Ala-Leu-rhamnose and Phe-o-glucose, were detected for the first time in this material. Six ingredients detected, including cordycepin, D-mannitol, Phe, Phe-o-glucose, cyclo-Gly-Pro, and cyclo-Ala-Leu-rhamnose, were selected as a collection of chemical markers. An HPLC-MS/MS method was developed to simultaneously quantify them with sensitivity and specificity. The method had limits of detection ranging from 0.008 μg mL(-1) for cordycepin to 0.75 μg mL(-1) for cyclo-Gly-Pro. Recovery was found between 96 and 103 % in all tests. To evaluate the effectiveness of the marker collection proposed, five authentic C. sinensis samples and five samples of its substitutes were analyzed. Cordycepin, D-mannitol, and Phe were found present in all samples. The contents ranged from 0.0076 to 0.029 % (w/w) for cordycepin, 0.33 to 18.9 % for mannitol, and 0.0013 to 0.642 % for Phe. Interestingly, the two glycosides, Phe-o-glucose and cyclo-Ala-Leu-rhamnose, were detected only in authentic C. sinensis samples. These results indicated that the proposed protocol based on HPLC-MS/MS quantification of the markers might have a great potential in authentication and quality assessment of C. sinensis. Graphical abstract Chemical markers of C. sinensis identified in this work.

Involvement of p38 MAPK in the Anticancer Activity of Cultivated Cordyceps militaris

Cordyceps militaris is a traditional Chinese medicine frequently used for tonic and therapeutic purposes. Reports from our laboratory and others have demonstrated that extracts of the cultivated fruiting bodies of C. militaris (CM) exhibit a potent cytotoxic effect against many cancer cell lines, especially human leukemia cells. Here, we further investigated the underlying mechanism through which CM is cytotoxic to cancer cells. The CM-mediated induction of PARP cleavage and its related DNA damage signal (γH2AX) was diminished by caspase inhibitor I. In contrast, a ROS scavenger failed to prevent CM-mediated leukemia cell death. Moreover, two signaling molecules, AKT and p38 MAPK, were activated during the course of apoptosis induction. Employing MTT analysis, we found that a p38 MAPK inhibitor but not an AKT inhibitor could rescue cells from CM-mediated cell death, as well as inhibit the cleavage of PARP, formation of apoptotic bodies and up-regulation of the γH2AX signal. These results suggest that CM-mediated leukemia cell death occurs through the activation of the p38 MAPK pathway, indicating its potential therapeutic effects against human leukemia.

Ethanol extract of Cordyceps militaris grown on germinated soybeans attenuates dextran-sodium-sulfate- (DSS-) induced colitis by suppressing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and inflammatory mediators

The effect of Cordyceps militaris (CM) grown on germinated soybeans (GSC) in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) model was studied. To demonstrate the preventive effect of GSC extract in a dextran-sodium-sulfate- (DSS-) induced acute colitis mouse model, GSC was administered 2 days before DSS coadministration. GSC significantly suppressed DSS-induced disease activity index (DAI) as well as histopathological scores, compared to control or CM-treated group. To elucidate the anti-IBD activity of GSC, we checked the level of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inflammatory mediators. GSC extract decreased the level of MMP-3 and -9 mRNAs and p53 proteins. The level and activity of LPS-induced MMP-9 were reduced in GSC-treated RAW264.7 cells. It also attenuated the level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α mRNAs both in colon tissue and in macrophage cells. These results suggest that GSC can be applied as a protective agent against IBDs.

The inhibitory activity of atractylenolide Ш, a sesquiterpenoid, on IgE-mediated mast cell activation and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

AT Ш, a sesquiterpenoid, is the major component of Atractylodes japonica Koidz that has been used as a traditional oriental medicine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We investigated the anti-allergic activity of AT Ш and its mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The released amount of β-hexosaminidase in mast cells, a key parameter of degranulation, was measured. Anti-allergic potential of AT Ш was evaluated using passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in vivo. The anti-allergic mechanism of AT Ш was investigated by immunoblotting analysis, RT-PCR and measurement of [Ca(2+)]i in mast cells.

RESULTS

AT Ш significantly inhibited IgE/Ag-mediated degranulation with an IC(50) value (36 ± 4 μM) in RBL-2H3 cells without affecting cell viability. It also suppressed IgE/Ag-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) response with an ED(50) value (65 ± 41 mg/kg) in vivo. AT Ш suppressed the production of interleukin (IL-4) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mRNAs more potent than the Src-family kinase inhibitor PP2 in RBL-2H3 cells at all concentrations. In order to elucidate the anti-allergic mechanisms of AT Ш in mast cells, we examined the activated levels of signaling molecules. AT Ш inhibited the phosphorylation of Lyn, Fyn, Syk, LAT, PLCγ, Gab2, Akt, p38, and JNK kinases expression. IgE/Ag-mediated [Ca(2+)]i elevation was significantly inhibited by AT Ш.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that AT Ш might be used as a therapeutic agent for allergic diseases.

Antiallergic asthma properties of brazilin through inhibition of TH2 responses in T cells and in a murine model of asthma

This study aimed to determine whether brazilin exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that inhibit T helper cell type II (T(H)2) responses and whether it suppresses allergic inflammation reactions in a murine model of asthma. We found that brazilin inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 induced by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and cAMP in EL-4 T cells in a dose-dependent manner. Following the intratracheal instillation of brazilin in ovalbumin (OVA)-immunized mice, we found that brazilin-treated mice exhibited decreases in the release of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, eotaxin-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF); inhibited T(H)2 functioning via a decrease in IL-4 production; and exhibited attenuation of OVA-induced lung eosinophilia, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway remodeling. These results suggest that brazilin exhibits anti-T(H)2 effects both in vitro and in vivo and may possess therapeutic potential for allergic diseases.