OBJECTIVE: To determine the therapeutic effect of spirulina platensis in allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: Ovalbumin sensitized white rats used as AR animals were treated with spirulina platensis (SPP). At the end of the treatment, the differences in the behavior science were observed; the changes in the nasal mucosa and mast cell degranulation were studied pathologically; and the levels of serum histamine and total immunoglobulin (Ig) E were determined by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. RESULTS: The behavior science score of the SPP treatment group was lower than that of the negative control group (P < 0.01 ) ; inflammatory reaction of nasal mucosa in the SPP treatment group were remarkably relieved; the number of nasal mucosa mastocyte and mast cell degranulation in the SPP treatment group were lower than that of the negative control group (P <0.01 ). The levels of serum histamine and total IgE in the SPP treatment group were lower than that of the negative control group (P <0.01 ). It had no significant difference in the positive control group and the SPP treatment group and the blank control group (P > 0.05 ). CONCLUSION Spirulina platensis can prevent and treat AR in rats, which implies the possibility of using spirulina platensis for AR patients in the future.
Animals ; Eukaryota ; Male ; Ovalbumin ; Phytotherapy ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; chemically induced ; drug therapy

PURPOSE: The study aims to classify schools based on traffic pollutants and their complex sources, to assess the environment, to determine the state of allergic diseases among students using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in children (ISAAC) questionnaire, and to assess their connection to air pollutants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of seven schools were divided into three categories according to the characteristics of their surrounding environments: three schools in traffic-related zones, two schools in complex source zones I (urban), and two schools in complex source zones II (industrial complex). ISAAC questionnaires were administered and the 4404 completed questionnaires were analyzed. RESULTS: The frequency of asthma treatment during the past 12 months showed a significant increase (p<0.05) with exposure to NO2 [1.67, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.03-2.71] in the complex source zones. The frequency of allergic rhinitis treatment during the past 12 months increased significantly with exposure to Black Carbon (1.60, 95% CIs 1.36-1.90) (p<0.001), SO2 (1.09, 95% CIs 1.01-1.17) (p<0.05), NO2 (1.18, 95% CIs 1.07-1.30) (p<0.01) for all subjects. CONCLUSION: In terms of supporting children's health, care, and prevention related to major spaces for children, such as school zones, spaces used in coming to and leaving school, playgrounds, and classrooms are essential to ensuring not only the safety of children from traffic accidents but also their protection from local traffic pollutants and various hazardous environmental factors.
Adolescent ; Air Pollutants/*adverse effects ; Air Pollution/*adverse effects ; Asthma/chemically induced/*epidemiology/*etiology ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Environmental Exposure ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/chemically induced/*epidemiology ; Schools ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Vehicle Emissions/analysis/toxicity

OBJECTIVETo investigate the method of development of allergic airway disease model in mice.

METHODSTen BALB/c mice were devided into the model group and the control group. Each group contained 5 mice. Ovalbumin (OVA) was used as allergen. OVA was emulsified with aluminum hydroxide and injected intraperitoneally for sensitization. Afterwards the mice from model group were challenged with aerosolized 5% OVA and subsequently instilled with OVA intranasally. For the blank control group the mice were sensitized and challenged with phosphate buffer saline (PBS). After final challenge, the nasal symptoms were scored, and mice were sacrificed for evaluation of eosinophilia of nasal septum, peribronchial inflammation and goblet cell hyperplasia. Mice serum was collected for measurement of OVA-specific IgE concentration, and levels of IL-4 and IL-5 from bronchoalveolar fluids were also tested.

RESULTSCompared with blank control mice, mice from model group displayed typical sneezing and nasal scratching symptoms. The histopathological changes, such as eosinophilia of nasal septum mucosa, infiltration of peribronchial inflammatory cells and hyperplasia of goblet cells were successfully induced by OVA sensitization and challenge. Moreover, mice in model group showed higher level of OVA-specific IgE in serum and IL-4 and IL-5 cytokines in bronchoalveolar fluids[mice from model group: IgE (1237.00 ± 153.20) pg/ml, IL-4 (46.50 ± 10.15) pg/ml, IL-5 (50.81 ± 11.41) pg/ml; mice from control group: IgE (191.90 ± 43.20) pg/ml, IL-4 (7.96 ± 1.80) pg/ml, IL-5 (7.53 ± 2.23) pg/ml;t value were 6.569, 3.738 and 3.724, respectively, all P < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONThe method using OVA as allergen could effectively develop a mouse model of allergic airway disease which could be used for pathogenesis study and drug effect evaluation.

Allergens ; Animals ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; chemistry ; Disease Models, Animal ; Eosinophilia ; pathology ; Immunoglobulin E ; blood ; Interleukin-4 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-5 ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Ovalbumin ; pharmacology ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; chemically induced ; pathology

Occupational asthma is induced by many agents, including herbal materials, that are exposed in working places. Although there are a few case reports for occupational allergy induced by herbal materials, there is none for that induced by Wonji (Polygala tenuifolia). This study was conducted to evaluate clinical characteristics and immunologic mechanism of Wonji-induced asthma in a exposed-worker. A patient who complained of asthma and rhinitis symptoms, and who had worked in a herbal manufacturing factory for 8 yr, underwent a skin prick test with crude extract of Wonji under the impression of occupational asthma induced by the agent. The patient had a strong positive response to the extract on the skin prick test. Allergen bronchial challenge to the extract demonstrated a typical dual response. Serum specific IgE level to the extract was higher in the patient than in healthy controls, and ELISA inhibition test revealed complete inhibition of IgE binding with the extract, but no inhibition with Der p 2 or mugwort extracts. Six IgE binding components to the extract (10, 25, 28, 36, 50, and 90 kDa) were detected using SDS-PAGE and immunoblot analysis. These findings suggest that Polygala tenuifolia, a herbal material, can induce IgE-mediated bronchoconstriction in exposed workers.
Allergens ; Asthma/*chemically induced ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans ; Immunoblotting ; Immunoglobulin E/chemistry ; Male ; *Medicine, Herbal ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure ; Pollen/chemistry ; Polygala/metabolism ; Protein Binding ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ; Rhinitis/*chemically induced ; Time Factors

To investigate the effect of methyleugenol on expression of MUC5AC in nasal mucosa of rats with allergic rhinitis (AR).Seventy-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:normal control group, AR group, loratadine group, low-dose methyleugenol group, middle-dose methyleugenol group and high-dose methyleugenol group with 12 rats in each group. AR was induced by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin in latter 5 groups. 10 mg loratadine q.d was given to rats in loratadine group by gavage; and 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg methyleugenol were given by gavege q.d to rats in low-, middle-and high-dose methyleugenol groups, respectively. Nasal mucosa samples were obtained from rats at 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after drug intervention. The expression of MUC5AC protein and mRNA in nasal mucosa was detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time fluorescence quota PCR (RT-PCR), respectively.Compared with AR, the percentage of cells staining positively for MUC5AC protein and the relative quantity of MUC5AC mRNA in middle-and high-dose methyleugenol groups were significantly decreased after 2 and 4 weeks of drug intervention (<0.05), but no such decrease was observed in low-dose methyleugenol group at all time points (>0.05). The percentage of cells with positive expression of MUC5AC protein and mRNA in loratadine group were significantly decreased after 1 week of administration (<0.05). The percentage of cells with positive MUC5AC protein in middle-dose methyleugenol group was higher than that in loratadine group (<0.05) after 6 week of drug intervention, but the difference was not seen in high-dose group (>0.05). There was no significant difference in relative quantities of MUC5AC mRNA after 4 weeks of administration between high-and middle-dose methyeugenol groups and loratadine group (>0.05).Methyleugenol can attenuate AR through inhibiting the expression of MUC5AC mRNA and protein in nasal mucosa of AR rats.
Animals ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Down-Regulation ; drug effects ; Eugenol ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Loratadine ; Mucin 5AC ; drug effects ; physiology ; Nasal Mucosa ; chemistry ; Ovalbumin ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats, Wistar ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect and mechanism of Biminne, a Chinese herbal compound preparation, for treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR).

METHODSAR model of mouse was induced by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA), and the changes in behavior, proliferative activity of splenic lymphocyte, serum levels of total IgE and OVA specific IgE were observed.

RESULTSBiminne showed effects in reducing the frequency of sneezing and nasal rubbing, inhibiting the proliferation of splenic lymphocyte stimulated by phyto-hemagglutinin (PHA) and OVA, and lowering the levels of serum total IgE and OVA specific IgE.

CONCLUSIONBiminne could inhibit the proliferation of splenic lymphocyte and reduce serum level of IgE in mice with AR.

Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Immunoglobulin E ; blood ; Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; immunology ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Ovalbumin ; Phytotherapy ; Random Allocation ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma as well as the mechanisms related with it.

METHODSSixty healthy rats were randomly divided into AR group and control group. AR model was established by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) and nasal challenge with OVA. Nasal mucosa and lung tissue from both groups were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE), alcian-blue and periodic acid-schiff (AB-PAS), respectively. At the same time, the lung tissue was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry were used to examine the level of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in bronchial alveolus lavage fluid (BALF) and the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and MUC5AC in nasal and lung tissue, respectively.

RESULTSInfiltration of inflammatory cells in nasal mucosa and lung tissue of AR model in rat was evident. Cilia destruction of bronchial epithelial cells of AR model was found. The level of IL4 in BALF of AR group (58.10 +/- 7.92) pg/ml was significant higher compared with that in control group (24.66 +/- 2.07) pg/ml. The expression of ICAM-1 (0.66 +/- 0.24) and MUC5AC (0.71 +/- 0.10) in lung tissue were both significantly higher than that in control group (0.23 +/- 0.02, 0.29 +/- 0.03).

CONCLUSIONSAllergic inflammation in nasal mucosa not only leads to changes in both histopathology and immunology, but also initiates the inflammation in lower respiratory tract mainly causing the change of cytokines and mucin.

Animals ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-4 ; metabolism ; Mucin 5AC ; metabolism ; Mucins ; metabolism ; Nasal Mucosa ; metabolism ; pathology ; Rats ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether the effect of Biminne on allergic rhinitis (AR) was through improving vascular permeability of nasal mucosa.

METHODSRat's model in Biminne-treated group and model group was induced by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide gel suspension Biminne-treated rats were orally given Biminne suspension from the 8th day to the 17th day. On the 18th day, Evan's blue dye (EBD) in the nasal perfusate was detected to assess the vascular permeability.

RESULTSEBD concentration was higher in the model rats than that in the normal rats, and lower in the Biminne-treated rats than that in the model rats (both P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONBiminne could improve vascular permeability of nasal mucosa in sensitized rats, which may be the mechanism of its clinical effect on AR.

Animals ; Anti-Allergic Agents ; pharmacology ; Capillary Permeability ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Injections, Intraperitoneal ; Male ; Nasal Mucosa ; blood supply ; Ovalbumin ; administration & dosage ; toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred BN ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; chemically induced ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammation effects of Xuebijing in OVA-induced murine allergic rhinitis model. Furthermore, we determined whether heme oxygenase (HO)-1 is required for the protective activity of Xuebijing. METHOD: Airways of OVA-sensitized mice exposed to OVA challenge developed eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion and increased cytokine levels. Levels of interleukin IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in nasal lavage fluid were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Lung tissue and nasal mucosa sections were stained with Mayer's hematoxylin and eosin for assessment of cell infiltration and mucus production, Immunohistochemistry, Real-time PCR and Western Blot analyses for HO-1 protein expression. RESULT: Orally administered Xuebijing significantly inhibited the number of OVA-induced inflammatory cells and IgE production, along with reduced T-helper (Th) 2 cytokine levels, such as IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, improved the level of IFN-gamma, in nasal lavage fluid. In addition, Xuebijing induced a marked decrease in OVA-induced inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus production in nasal and lung tissues. These effects were correlated with HO-1 mRNA and protein induction. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that Xuebijing protects against OVA-induced airway inflammation, at least in part, via HO-1 upregulation.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Eosinophilia ; metabolism ; Heme Oxygenase-1 ; metabolism ; Immunoglobulin E ; immunology ; Inflammation ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Interleukin-13 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-4 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-5 ; metabolism ; Membrane Proteins ; metabolism ; Mice ; Nasal Mucosa ; metabolism ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a Th2 dominant cytokine response. Chloride channel-3 (ClC-3) plays an important role in nasal mucosal edema and inflammatory pathologic changes in AR. Antiallergic herbal agents (AHA) are antiallergic herbal products. In the previous study, we have demonstrated that AHA clearly inhibited allergic medium and relieved allergic reaction of AR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the function of ClC-3 and discuss the possible therapeutic effects of AHA on immune microenvironment in AR.

METHODSAHA were produced and used to treat AR. An animal model of an AR rabbit was established by ovalbumin (OVA). The rhinitis rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: AHA treated group (AHATG), model group (MG) and healthy control group (HCG). The expressions of ClC-3 protein were examined by immunohistochemical method. The mucosal epithelial cells of all the rabbit groups were primarily cultured with tissue culture method in vitro with or without rhIL-4 or rhIL-2. Furthermore, the expressions of ClC-3 mRNA were detected by real-time PCR. The levels of monocyte chemotactic factor-1 (MCP-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) protein in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA.

RESULTSThe expressions of ClC-3 mRNA increased more in mucosal epithelial cells of MG than those in AHATG and HCG (P < 0.01). The levels of ClC-3 mRNA, MCP-1 and VCAM-1 protein in culture supernatants of MG were significantly higher than those in the other two groups (P < 0.01). Those were significantly increased in MG untreated 12 hours later than those in other two groups (P < 0.01). The expressions of ClC-3 mRNA, MCP-1 and VCAM-1 protein in culture supernatants of MG and HCG treated with rhIL-4 were significantly higher than those in the AHATG treated with rhIL-4 (P < 0.01). The levels of ClC-3 mRNA, MCP-1 and VCAM-1 protein in culture supernatants of all groups treated with rhIL-2 showed no significant changes (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAHA can inhibit the secretions of ClC-3, MCP-1 and VCAM-1 in mucosal epithelia and improve inflammatory reaction of AR. ClC-3 plays an important role in the secretion of cytokines and mucosal inflammatory response in AR. RhIL-4 can enhance the secretion of ClC-3, MCP-1 and VCAM-1 in mucosal epithelial cells, especially during the AR process. These enhanced effects of rhIL-4 were significantly suppressed by AHA. The secretions of ClC-3, MCP-1 and VCAM-1 can not be induced obviously by rhIL-2 in mucosal epithelial cells in AR.

Animals ; Anti-Allergic Agents ; pharmacology ; Chemokine CCL2 ; metabolism ; Chloride Channels ; genetics ; metabolism ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Mucous Membrane ; drug effects ; immunology ; metabolism ; Nasal Mucosa ; drug effects ; immunology ; metabolism ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Rhinitis ; chemically induced ; immunology ; metabolism ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism