Oxidized graphene-aggravated allergic asthma is antagonized by antioxidant vitamin E in Balb/c mice

Nanomaterials have been widely used in a number of applications; however, these nanomaterials may potentially be risky for human health, particularly for the respiratory system. In this study, we used a mouse asthma model to study whether graphene oxide (GO), a promising carbonaceous nanomaterial with unique physicochemical properties, aggravates allergic asthma via the oxidative stress pathway. Mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) to trigger immune reactions, while vitamin E (Ve) was administered as an antioxidant. Our results showed that GO aggravated OVA-induced allergic asthma in mice, as suggested by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), elevated total immunoglobulin E (IgE), upregulated Th2 response, and the aggravation of allergic asthma symptoms, such as airway remolding, collagen deposition with mucus hypersecretion, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). The administration of Ve dramatically attenuated all of the above effects. In conclusion, Ve showed anti-allergic properties in antagonizing the exacerbation of allergic asthma induced by GO, providing a new possibility for the treatment of allergic asthma.