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A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2010
Study of Atorvastatin in experimental allergic airway inflammation in mice
Mohamed Nabih Abdel Rahman1, Ahmed A M Abdelmotelb
1Department of Pharmacology, Tanta Faculty of Medicine, Tanta, Egypt.
Background:
Inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with airway diseases. There is growing evidence that Atorvastatin could be used as a therapy for these conditions.
Objective:
On these bases, we evaluated Atorvastatin as a protective and reversal treatment for the allergic airway diseases in mice model. We also looked at the possible interaction with the currently used effective medication.
Methods:
Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to develop features of allergic airway diseases mainly of bronchial inflammation. Atorvastatin was injected during or after the sensitization and challenge process to evaluate its protective or reversal effects, respectively. Total and differential cells in the BAL fluids together with IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 cytokine levels were evaluated. Total IgE and cholesterol levels in serum were studied.
Results:
In the protective phase, Atorvastatin inhibited the OVA-induced cellular infiltration of lung bronchi, decreased IL-4 and IL-5 and prevented the increase in IL-10 cytokine levels. Also, it reduced the OVA-induced high serum total IgE level. Injection of Atorvastatin after challenge was not effective in reversing the inflammatory process, with no major contribution towards augmenting the actions of Dexamethasone. The cholesterol lowering effect was marked in the protective phase while less effective for the reversal phase.
Conclusion:
Our results indicate that Atorvastatin reduced the allergic inflammatory features in mice and it could be useful towards developing a better therapeutic regimen for the treatment of allergic diseases.
Insights
Atorvastatin demonstrated protective effects against allergic airway inflammation in a mouse model by reducing inflammatory cells and key cytokines. However, it was less effective for reversal and did not significantly enhance dexamethasone effects.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Allergic airway diseases are linked to inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Atorvastatin shows potential as a therapeutic agent for these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess Atorvastatin's protective and reversal efficacy in a murine model of allergic airway disease.
- To investigate potential interactions between Atorvastatin and existing medications.
Main Methods:
- Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to induce allergic airway inflammation.
- Atorvastatin was administered during (protective) or after (reversal) OVA exposure.
- Evaluated bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid cell counts, cytokine levels (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10), serum total IgE, and cholesterol.
Main Results:
- Atorvastatin inhibited OVA-induced lung inflammation, reduced IL-4, IL-5, and prevented IL-10 elevation.
- It decreased OVA-induced serum total IgE levels.
- Post-challenge Atorvastatin administration showed limited reversal effects and minimal synergy with dexamethasone; cholesterol reduction was more pronounced in the protective phase.
Conclusions:
- Atorvastatin effectively reduced allergic inflammatory markers in a mouse model.
- Findings suggest Atorvastatin's potential utility in developing novel therapeutic strategies for allergic diseases.
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