Nicorandil alleviates ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation in a mouse model of asthma

Nicorandil is an antianginal drug that has anti-inflammatory property. This study aimed to investigate the effects of nicorandil on allergic asthma induced by ovalbumin (OVA) in mice in comparison with dexamethasone. Mice were sensitized to OVA (on days 0 and 7) and challenged with OVA three times (on days 14, 15 and 16). Nicorandil was given orally for 5 days 1 h before OVA treatment in days of challenge. Progression of asthma was accompanied by significant elevation in the lung/body weight index, LDH, total protein, IL-13 and NF-κB levels besides inflammatory cell counts in BALF; Also pulmonary MDA and NO contents were significantly increased but GSH and SOD levels were decreased. Histopathological alterations in lung tissues were also observed. In contrast, nicorandil treatment significantly alleviated OVA-induced lung injury. In conclusion, our results proposed that nicorandil is equivalent to dexamethasone in ameliorating allergic asthma by restoring oxidant/antioxidant balance and reducing inflammation.