Protective effects of astragaloside IV against ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis are mediated by T-box protein expressed in T cells/GATA-3 and forkhead box protein 3/retinoic acid-related orphan nuclear receptor γt

Network pharmacology analysis of the Huangqi-Gancao herb pair reveals quercetin as a therapeutics for allergic rhinitis via the RELA-regulated IFNG/IRF1 axis response

Despite the complexity of allergic rhinitis (AR) pathogenesis, no FDA-approved drug has been developed to achieve optimal therapeutic effects. The present study explored the efficacy and mechanism of Huangqi (Hedysarum Multijugum Maxim)-Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma or licorice) herb pair in treating AR by network pharmacology and experimental approaches. The bioactive ingredients of Huangqi and Gancao were identified and used to predict the targets of these herbs in AR and generate the pharmacological network. Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mouse model was established to assess the anti-AR effect of the Huangqi decoction (HQD) prepared based on both herbs. We identified 90 active ingredients of the Huangqi-Gancao pair, targeting 69 AR-related genes. Quercetin (QUE) was identified as the hub ingredient of this pair, with 57 targets in AR. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and molecular docking revealed IL1B, TNF, STAT1, IL6, PTGS2, RELA, IL2, NFKBIA, IFNG, IL10, IL1A, IRF1, EGFR, and CXCL10 as important targets of QUE in AR treatment. Experimentally, QUE or HQD significantly alleviated the AR-induced histopathological changes, AR symptoms, and IgE level and counteracted AR-induced expression changes of IFNG, IRF1, RELA, and NFKBIA. These effects were promoted by the NF-kB inhibitor helenalin, indicating that HQD and QUE counteracted AR in mice by regulating the IFNG/IRF1 signaling via the NF-κB pathway in AR mice. These findings shed light on the efficacy of the constituents of Huangqi-Gancao pair, their potential targets, and the molecular mechanisms of HQD in treating AR, which could advance the development of tailored therapeutic interventions for this disorder.

The potential application and molecular mechanisms of natural products in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: A review

BACKGROUNDS

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a non-infectious chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa mainly mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) in atopic individuals after exposure to allergens. The application of AR guideline-recommended pharmacotherapies can rapidly relieve symptoms of AR but with poor long-term efficacy, and many of these therapies have side effects. Many natural products and their derivatives have shown potential therapeutic effects on AR with fewer side effects.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to expand understanding of the roles and mechanisms of natural compounds in the treatment of AR and to highlight the importance of utilizing natural products in the treatment of AR.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Clinical Trials. The search was performed using keywords including natural products, natural compounds, bioproducts, plant extracts, naturally derived products, natural resources, allergic rhinitis, hay fever, pollinosis, nasal allergy. Comprehensive research and compilation of existing literature were conducted.

RESULTS

This article provided a comprehensive review of the potential therapeutic effects and mechanisms of natural compounds in the treatment of AR. We emphasized that natural products primarily exert their effects by modulating signalling pathways such as NF-κB, MAPKs, STAT3/ROR-γt/Foxp3, and GATA3/T-bet, thereby inhibiting the activation and expansion of allergic inflammation. We also discussed their toxicity and clinical applications in AR therapy.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, natural products exhibit great potential in the treatment of AR. This review is also expected to facilitate the application of natural products as candidates for treating AR. Furthermore, drug discovery based on natural products has a promising prospect in AR treatment.

ESP-B4 promotes nasal epithelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles containing miR-146a-5p to modulate Smad3/GATA-3 thus relieving allergic rhinitis: ESP-B4/miR-146a-5p in AR

BACKGROUND

Though generally a mild affliction, allergic rhinitis (AR) is very common and causes considerable discomfort. Ephedra sinica polysaccharide is a candidate cost-effective therapy to relieve AR symptoms.

PURPOSE

We explore the molecular mechanism of pure polysaccharide ESP-B4 action in AR.

METHODS

RPMI2650 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide to induce an in vitro sensitization model, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated. A rat model of AR was established using ovalbumin as the allergen and was treated with Ephedra sinica polysaccharide to observe changes in rhinitis symptoms, nasal mucosa histopathology and molecular pathology. ESP-B4-treated sensitized cells were adopted in vitro to verify effect of Ephedra sinica polysaccharide on miR-146a-5p expression in RPMI2650 cell-derived EVs and helper T cell differentiation.

RESULTS

miR-146a-5p inhibited Smad3, impeded the Smad3/GATA-3 interaction, upregulated IFN-γ expression, and promoted CD4⁺T cell Th1 differentiation. Treatment with ESP-B4 relieved AR in rats, and elevated miR-146a-5p in the EVs from the nasal epithelial cells, apparently in relation to effects on helper T cell Th1/Th2 equilibrium.

CONCLUSION

Overall, ESP-B4 can promote miR-146a-5p secretion, affect the Th1/Th2 balance of helper T cells, and relieve AR symptoms through Smad3/GATA-3 interaction, thus presenting a potential strategy for AR treatment.

Ajwain oil attenuates allergic response of ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis via alteration of inflammatory, oxidative stress, and Th1/Th2 responses

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an immune inflammatory-related disorder that affects the nasal mucosa. Free radicals play a crucial role in the expansion of allergic reaction and the researcher used the antioxidant therapy to treat the disease. Trachyspermum ammi L. (Ajwain oil) is popular traditional medicine. It has been proved their potential effect on various diseases. Ajwain oil showed anti-tumor, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. Yet, the anti-allergic effect of Ajwain oil is still not explored. In this experimental study, an ovalbumin (OVX)-induced AR model was used to scrutinize the anti-allergic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Ajwain oil.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

OVX was used to establish the AR model (sensitization days 1, 8, and 15) and given the oral treatment of Ajwain oil and Montelukast for 13 days. The spleen, lungs, and body weight were estimated. Sneezing, nasal discharge and rubbing are also estimated. Immunoglobin-E (IgE), histamine, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and inflammatory cytokines were scrutinized.

RESULTS

Ajwain oil significantly (p < .001) suppressed sneezing, nasal discharge and nasal rubbing along with increasing the spleen, lung and body weight. Ajwain oil significantly (p < .001) decreased the level of IgE, histamine, MDA, Nrf2, HO-1, and increased the level of SOD. Ajwain oil significantly (p < .001) suppressed the number of eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, and epithelial cells. Ajwain oil significantly prevented the activation of the NF-κBp65 and STAT3 signaling pathways that led to enhancing the synthesis of anti-inflammatory cytokines and reducing the inflammatory, allergen-specific type 2T helper cells (Th2), Th17 cytokines.

CONCLUSION

The obtained data suggests that Ajwain oil has a promising anti-allergic against allergic rhinitis in mice via anti-allergic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Allergic rhinitis is a serious life-threatening disease. Inflammatory reaction plays an important role in the expansion of AR diseases. Ajwain oil considerably increased the spleen weight and reduced lung weight. Ajwain oil suppressed the nasal rubbing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Ajwain oil considerably suppressed the immunoglobin and inflammatory cytokines. The result suggests that Ajwain oil having the potential effect against the allergic rhinitis.

Cycloastragenol alleviates airway inflammation in asthmatic mice by inhibiting autophagy

Cycloastragenol (CAG), a secondary metabolite from the roots of Astragalus zahlbruckneri, has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects in heart, skin and liver diseases. However, its role in asthma remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of CAG on airway inflammation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse asthma model. The current study evaluated the lung function and levels of inflammation and autophagy via measurement of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), lung histology examination, inflammatory cytokine measurement and western blotting, amongst other techniques. The results demonstrated that CAG attenuated OVA-induced AHR in vivo. In addition, the total number of leukocytes and eosinophils, as well as the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13 and immunoglobulin E were diminished in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the OVA-induced murine asthma model. Histological analysis revealed that CAG suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration and goblet cell secretion. Notably, based on molecular docking simulation, CAG was demonstrated to bind to the active site of autophagy-related gene 4-microtubule-associated proteins light chain 3 complex, which explains the reduced autophagic flux in asthma caused by CAG. The expression levels of proteins associated with autophagy pathways were inhibited following treatment with CAG. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that CAG exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in asthma, and its role may be associated with the inhibition of autophagy in lung cells.

Astragaloside IV suppresses histamine-induced inflammatory factors and mucin 5 subtype AC overproduction in nasal epithelial cells via regulation of inflammation-related genes

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a symptomatic allergic disease that leads to severe inflammation. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a primary active component of Astragalus membranaceus and exerts immune-regulation and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the pharmacological effect of AS-IV in the nasal epithelial cells (NECs) has not been reported. The present study aimed to assess the effect of AS-IV on inflammatory cytokines and mucin 5 subtype AC (MUC5AC) overproduction in histamine (His)-stimulated NECs and its underlying mechanism. NECs were stimulated with or without His for 24 h in the absence or presence of AS-IV. The levels of inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, IL-1β, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), eotaxin, and MUC5AC were assayed. Our findings indicated that AS-IV inhibited His-evoked release and expression of inflammatory cytokines and MUC5AC in NECs. RNA-seq analyses indicated the significant changes in expression levels involved in inflammation genes upon treatment of His-induced NECs with AS-IV. Our findings indicated that AS-IV inhibited His-evoked inflammatory cytokines secretion and MUC5AC overproduction in NECs, which were partly mediated by regulation of inflammation-related genes. Therefore, our findings provided a scientific basis for the development of AS-IV as an effective agent for clinical therapeutic strategy in the treatment of AR.

Preliminary Study of microRNAs Allele-Specific Targeting in Allergic Rhinitis Patients from Central China

BACKGROUND

Abnormal expression of miRNA is a common feature in many diseases. Some studies have also emphasized that miRNAs play an important role in asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR). This study attempts to reveal the differences between miRNAs expression and normal nasal mucosa in AR patients by microarray method, so as to further understand the molecular mechanism of AR development.

METHOD

MiRNA microrrays were used for analyzing six samples of the nasal mucosa of AR and six samples of nonallergic patients. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of some differentially expressed miRNAs was used to confirm the array results. Furthermore, pathway analysis was carried out.

RESULTS

The microarray identified that 64 miRNAs exhibited altered expression in the nasal mucosa of the AR group when compared with the control group. Moreover, the expression levels of ten miRNAs were significantly altered in the AR group. To verify the results of the microarray, three differentially expressed miRNA were determined by RT-PCR, and the results also confirmed these changes. Ten differentially expressed miRNAs were present in the nasal mucosa of AR patients compared with the control group, and three differentially expressed miRNAs, as miR-1244, miR-4651 and miR-7641, were determined by RT-PCR, indicating that they play important roles in the process of AR.

CONCLUSION

miR-1244, miR-4651 and miR-7641 may play important roles in the process of AR. Sequencing analysis indicated that three kinds of mutations exist in MAPK8 3'UTR, which may play a role in binding with miR-7641, and then influence the AR process. Single miRNA or, more probably, their sets hold the promise for their use as biomarkers of allergic rhinitis. They may also be promising targets in future therapies.

Natural products as modulators of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors (RORs)

Covering: 1994 to 2020 Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors (RORs) belong to a subfamily of the nuclear receptor superfamily and possess prominent roles in circadian rhythm, metabolism, inflammation, and cancer. They have been subject of research for over two decades and represent attractive but challenging drug targets. Natural products were among the first identified ligands of RORs and continue to be of interest to this day. This review focuses on ligands and indirect modulators of RORs from natural sources and explores their roles in a therapeutic context.

Evidence Supporting a Phased Immuno-physiological Approach to COVID-19 From Prevention Through Recovery

This paper presents an evidence-based strategy for improving clinical outcomes in COVID-19. Recommendations are based on the phases of the disease, because optimal interventions for one phase may not be appropriate for a different phase. The four phases addressed are: Prevention, Infection, Inflammation and Recovery. Underlying this phased approach is recognition of emerging evidence for two different components of pathophysiology, early infection and late stage severe complications. These two aspects of the disease suggest two different patterns of clinical emphasis that seem on the surface to be not entirely concordant. We describe the application of therapeutic strategies and appropriate tactics that address four main stages of disease progression for COVID-19. Emerging evidence in COVID-19 suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 virus may both evade the innate immune response and kill macrophages. Delayed innate immune response and a depleted population of macrophages can theoretically result in a blunted antigen presentation, delaying and diminishing activation of the adaptive immune response. Thus, one clinical strategy involves supporting patient innate and adaptive immune responses early in the time course of illness, with the goal of improving the timeliness, readiness, and robustness of both the innate and adaptive immune responses. At the other end of the disease pathology spectrum, risk of fatality in COVID-19 is driven by excessive and persistent upregulation of inflammatory mechanisms associated with cytokine storm. Thus, the second clinical strategy is to prevent or mitigate excessive inflammatory response to prevent the cytokine storm associated with high mortality risk. Clinical support for immune system pathogen clearance mechanisms involves obligate activation of immune response components that are inherently inflammatory. This puts the goals of the first clinical strategy (immune activation) potentially at odds with the goals of the second strategy(mitigation of proinflammatory effects). This creates a need for discernment about the time course of the illness and with that, understanding of which components of an overall strategy to apply at each phase of the time course of the illness. We review evidence from early observational studies and the existing literature on both outcomes and mechanisms of disease, to inform a phased approach to support the patient at risk for infection, with infection, with escalating inflammation during infection, and at risk of negative sequelae as they move into recovery.

Analysis of expression of ILC2 cells in nasal mucosa based on animal model of allergic bacterial infection rhinitis

The objective of this study is to analyze the expression of ILC2 cells (type 2 innate lymphoid cells) in nasal mucosa based on animal model of allergic bacterial infection rhinitis. 45 female BALB/c mice were selected as research subject. They were randomly divided into control group (group A), sensitization group (group B) and inhibitor group (group C) to establish a mouse model of allergic rhinitis. The pathological changes of mouse nasal mucosa were observed by HE (hematoxylin-eosin) staining. The number of ILC2 cells in mouse nasal mucosa was detected by immunofluorescence double staining assay. Real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to detect the expression of ILC2 cell-associated factor in mouse nasal mucosa. The expression of cytokine protein in serum was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that there was no inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa of group A, and the number of ILC2 cells was small. Inflammatory cell infiltration and obvious ILC2 cells were observed in the nasal mucosa of group B and C, and the number of ILC2 cells in group B and C was significantly increased compared with that in group A. Compared with group A, ROR α, Thy-1, ST2, and CD90 genes were significantly increased in nasal mucosa tissues of group B and C, and protein levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IgE in serum were significantly increased. Compared with group B, the protein expression levels of IL-13 and IgE in serum of group C mice were significantly increased, while the expression levels of IL-4 and IL-5 were not significantly different. In conclusion, in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis, ILC2 cells play a role in promoting the development of inflammation, and its expression is related to RORα, Thy-1, ST2 and CD90. Meanwhile, ILC2 cells are also important cells for the synthesis and secretion of IL-13. The study on the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis provides a new target for its treatment.

Postnatal calpeptin treatment causes hippocampal neurodevelopmental defects in neonatal rats

Our previous studies showed that the early use of calpain inhibitors reduces calpain activity in multiple brain regions, and that postnatal treatment with calpeptin may lead to cerebellar motor dysfunction. However, it remains unclear whether postnatal calpeptin application affects hippocampus-related behaviors. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were purchased from the Animal Center of Anhui Medical University of China. For the experiments in the adult stage, rats were intraperitoneally injected with calpeptin, 2 mg/kg, once a day, on postnatal days 7-14. Then on postnatal day 60, the Morris water maze test was used to evaluate spatial learning and memory abilities. The open field test was carried out to assess anxiety-like activities. Phalloidin staining was performed to observe synaptic morphology in the hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry was used to count the number of NeuN-positive cells in the hippocampal CA1 region. DiI was applied to label dendritic spines. Calpeptin administration impaired spatial memory, caused anxiety-like behavior in adulthood, reduced the number and area of apical dendritic spines, and decreased actin polymerization in the hippocampus, but did not affect the number of NeuN-positive cells in the hippocampal CA1 region. For the neonatal experiments, neonatal rats were intraperitoneally injected with calpeptin, 2 mg/kg, on postnatal days 7 and 8. Western blot assay was performed to analyze the protein levels of Akt, Erk, p-Akt, p-Erk1/2, Erk1/2, SCOP, PTEN, mTOR, p-mTOR, CREB and p-CREB in the hippocampus. SCOP expression was increased, and the phosphorylation levels of Akt, mTOR and CREB were reduced in the hippocampus. These findings show that calpeptin administration after birth affects synaptic development in neonatal rats by inhibiting the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby perturbing hippocampal function. Therefore, calpeptin administration after birth is a risk factor for neurodevelopmental defects.

Involvement of T-Helper 9 Activation in a Mouse Model of Allergic Rhinitis

Background

We aimed to investigate the role of T-Helper (TH) 9 cells in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR) in mice.

Material/Methods

An AR model was produced in BALB/c mice, and the viral encoding interleukin (IL)-9 silencing sequence was used to reduce IL-9 expression. The experiment was divided into a control group, an AR group, an IL-9 shRNA+AR group, and a vector+AR group. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to detect pathological changes. The cytokine expression was detected by ELISA method. Cellular typing was detected by flow cytometry.

Results

Cells in the control group were regularly arranged, with clear layers and no congestion, edema, or necrosis observable. By contrast, in the AR model group and the vector treatment group, nasal mucosa showed clear hyperemia and edema in upper tissues and infiltration of inflammatory cells, which were ameliorated by IL-9 silencing. Compared with the control group, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was significantly down-regulated, while IL-4, IL-17, and IL-9 were significantly elevated in the AR model group. TH1 cells in nasal mucosa, lymph, nasal lavage, spleen, and peripheral blood were significantly reduced, while TH2, TH9, TH17, and Treg cells were significantly elevated in the AR group compared with the control group. Importantly, all these changes in AR model were ameliorated by IL-9 silencing.

Conclusions

AR is related to the changes of cytokines in TH1, TH2, TH9, TH17, and Treg, which are improved by IL-9 silencing. Activation of TH9 cells is involved in the pathogenesis of AR.