Modulation of lung inflammation and immune markers in asthmatic rats treated by .

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies indicated anti-inflammatory effects for in various inflammatory disorders. In this study, the effects of on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) levels of total protein (TP), Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and IgE in sensitized rats were examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male rats were randomly divided into six groups namely, control (group C), sensitized rats (group S), sensitized animal treated with three concentrations of the extract of and dexamethasone (n = 8 for each group). The levels of TP, PLA2 and IgE in BALF were measured.

RESULTS

The levels of TP, PLA2 and IgE were significantly increased in the BALF of group S compared to group C (p<0.001 for all cases). However, treatment of S rats with all concentrations of the extract, resulted in a significant and concentration-dependent reduction in BALF levels of TP, PLA2 and IgE compared to group S (p<0.001 for all cases except for the effect of the low extract concentration on TP). Dexamethasone treatment also led to significant reduction of TP, PLA2 and IgE (p<0.001 for all cases). The effect of dexamethasone treatment on PLA2 was significantly higher than the effects of all extract concentrations (p<0.001 for all cases). However, the effect of high extract concentration on TP and IgE was significantly higher than that of dexamethasone (p<0.001 both cases).

CONCLUSION

The results indicated anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of in sensitized rats (as an animal model of asthma) which was equal or more marked than dexamethasone at studied concentrations.