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Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
08:05

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Published on: May 14, 2012

Effects of tranilast and pentoxifylline in a mouse model of chronic asthma using house dust mite antigen

Seung Joon Kim1, Jin Woo Kim, Yong Hyun Kim

  • 1Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-040, Korea.

The Journal of Asthma : Official Journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma
|November 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Tranilast and Pentoxifylline (PTX) reduce airway remodeling and inflammation in a chronic asthma mouse model. These drugs inhibit Th2 cytokine IL-13 and TGF-beta 1, offering potential benefits for asthma patients.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Tranilast is used for allergic diseases due to mast cell inhibition and anti-fibrotic effects.
  • Pentoxifylline (PTX) is an anti-inflammatory drug inhibiting Th1 cytokines, with uncertain effects on Th2 cytokines.
  • Chronic asthma involves airway remodeling, inflammation, and hyperresponsiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of tranilast and PTX on airway remodeling and inflammation in a chronic asthma mouse model.
  • To evaluate the combined effects of tranilast and PTX in this asthma model.

Main Methods:

  • A chronic asthma model was established in BALB/c mice using house dust mite (HDM) antigen challenge for 7 weeks.
  • Mice received intraperitoneal injections of tranilast, PTX, or a combination of both before antigen administration.
  • Immunohistochemical analysis was used to assess peribronchial changes, including smooth muscle hyperplasia and collagen deposition.

Main Results:

  • Both tranilast and PTX demonstrated inhibitory effects on airway remodeling, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and airway inflammation.
  • The therapeutic effects were associated with the inhibition of Th2 cytokine IL-13 and TGF-beta 1.
  • Treatment groups showed reduced peribronchial collagen type I and III deposition and smooth muscle hyperplasia.

Conclusions:

  • Tranilast and PTX show potential beneficial effects in managing chronic asthma, particularly in mitigating airway remodeling.
  • These drugs may exert their effects by inhibiting key fibrotic and inflammatory mediators like IL-13 and TGF-beta 1.
  • The combination of tranilast and PTX warrants further investigation for chronic asthma treatment.

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