Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Original Research Article | OPEN ACCESS

Anti-asthmatic effect of Ping-Chuan Formula in asthmatic mice, and its molecular mechanism of action

Xi Ming^1,2, Wanchao Xu^1,2, Yazun Liu^1,2, Xinguang Zhang¹, Li Bai¹, Zheng Xue¹ , Jianer Yu¹

¹Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine?Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, PR China; ²Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China.

For correspondence:- Zheng Xue Email: lyz1041857257@126.com Tel:+862156639828

Accepted: 4 October 2021 Published: 30 November 2021

Citation: Ming X, Xu W, Liu Y, Zhang X, Bai L, Xue Z, et al. Anti-asthmatic effect of Ping-Chuan Formula in asthmatic mice, and its molecular mechanism of action. Trop J Pharm Res 2021; 20(11):2325-2331 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v20i11.14

© 2021 The authors.
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Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the anti-asthmatic effect of Ping-Chuan Formula (PCF) in a mouse model, and the associated molecular mechanisms.

Methods: Asthma mice were induced using ovalbumin (OVA), and PCF (600 mg/kg) was administered to the mice for 4 weeks. Sections of lung tissues were examined microscopically. The expressions of interleukins (ILs), interferon (IFN)-γ, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were assayed, while lung tissue expressions of Toll like receptor (TLR)-4, GATA binding protein (GATA)-3, Ox40 ligand (OX40L), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) determined. The T box expressed in T cells (T-bet) was evaluated using western blotting. The expressions of MHC II and co-stimulators (CD 11c, CD 80 and CD 86) of dendritic cells (DCs) were determined by flow cytometry.

Results: PCF decreased inflammation in lung, and also down-regulated IL-4, -6, -17 and TGF-β (p < 0.01), whereas IL-10 and IFN-γ expressions were up-regulated (p < 0.01). Moreover, PCF decreased the expressions of TLR-4, GATA-3 and OX40L in lung tissue, and promoted Foxp3, IDO and T-bet. Besides, PCF decreased the levels of MHC II and co-stimulators (CD 80 and CD 86) on the surface of DCs.

Conclusion: PCF exerts anti-asthmatic effect in mice via inhibition of inflammation, and modulation of MHC II and co-stimulators on the surface of DCs. These findings suggest that PCF is a promising candidate drug for treating asthma in humans.

Keywords: Ping-Chuan Formula, Asthma, Inflammatory reactions, Dendritic cells