Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
10:20
In vitro Measurements of Tracheal Constriction Using Mice
Published on: June 25, 2012
Creatine activates airway epithelium in asthma
S C Ferreira1, A C Toledo, M Hage
1University of Sao Paulo, Pathology (LIM 05), Sao Paulo, Brazil.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|November 13, 2010
Summary
Creatine supplementation worsens asthma symptoms in mice by increasing airway inflammation and goblet cell proliferation. This suggests creatine may negatively impact airway epithelium in asthma models.
Area of Science:
- * Immunology
- * Respiratory Medicine
- * Molecular Biology
Background:
- * The airway epithelium is crucial in asthma pathophysiology.
- * Previous studies indicated creatine supplementation (Cr) exacerbates asthma features in a murine model.
- * The specific role of the airway epithelium in Cr-induced asthma exacerbation remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the impact of creatine supplementation on airway epithelial cells in a murine model of allergic asthma.
- * To determine if creatine supplementation modulates the expression of key inflammatory and remodeling mediators in airway epithelium.
- * To elucidate the role of airway epithelium in creatine-induced asthma exacerbation.
Main Methods:
- * BALB/c mice were divided into control, creatine supplementation, ovalbumin-sensitized (OVA), and OVA plus creatine supplementation groups.
- * OVA sensitization and challenge were performed according to established protocols.
- * Creatine supplementation was administered during the challenge phase.
- * Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed for cell counts.
- * Quantitative epithelial expression of various cytokines, chemokines, and enzymes was assessed using RT-qPCR.
Main Results:
- * Creatine supplementation significantly increased total cells and eosinophils in BALF compared to controls.
- * Goblet cell content and epithelial expression of IL-5, CCL2, iNOS, ICAM-1, NF-κB, TGF-β, TIMP-1, and MMP-9 were elevated in the creatine group.
- * Compared to the OVA group, creatine supplementation exacerbated goblet cell proliferation and epithelial IL-5 and iNOS expression.
Conclusions:
- * Creatine supplementation up-regulates the pro-inflammatory cascade in this asthma model.
- * Creatine modulates the expression of inflammatory mediators by epithelial cells, contributing to airway remodeling.
- * The airway epithelium plays a significant role in mediating creatine-induced asthma exacerbation.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:20Antiasthma Drugs: Muscarinic Receptor Antagonists
Muscarinic receptor antagonists, also known as antimuscarinic agents, are a class of bronchodilators used to treat asthma, although they are more commonly used to treat COPD. They work by inhibiting the action of acetylcholine (ACh), a neurotransmitter, on muscarinic receptors found in the airways.
Antimuscarinic agents compete with ACh for the same binding site on the muscarinic receptors. By binding to these receptors, they inhibit the downstream effects of ACh and block the parasympathetic...
Antimuscarinic agents compete with ACh for the same binding site on the muscarinic receptors. By binding to these receptors, they inhibit the downstream effects of ACh and block the parasympathetic...
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:11Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Direct-acting cholinergic agonists have many therapeutic uses in various medical fields. Choline esters, including acetylcholine, have limited clinical utility due to their non-selectivity and short duration of action. Still, acetylcholine and carbachol are applied topically during ophthalmologic surgery to induce miosis. Pilocarpine, a muscarinic and ganglionic stimulator, effectively treats open-angle glaucoma and alleviates xerostomia and dry mouth caused by radiotherapy or Sjögren syndrome.
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...