Formononetin Inhibits Mast Cell Degranulation to Ameliorate Compound 48/80-Induced Pseudoallergic Reactions

Formononetin (FNT) is a plant-derived isoflavone natural product with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-allergic properties. We showed previously that FNT inhibits immunoglobulin E (IgE)-dependent mast cell (MC) activation, but the effect of FNT on IgE-independent MC activation is yet unknown. Our aim was to investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of action of FNT on IgE-independent MC activation and pseudoallergic inflammation. We studied the effects of FNT on MC degranulation in vitro with a cell culture model using compound C48/80 to stimulate either mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) or RBL-2H3 cells. We subsequently measured β-hexosaminase and histamine release, the expression of inflammatory factors, cell morphological changes, and changes in NF-κB signaling. We also studied the effects of FNT in several in vivo murine models of allergic reaction: C48/80-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA), and 2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD). The results showed that FNT inhibited IgE-independent degranulation of MCs, evaluated by a decrease in the release of β-hexosaminase and histamine and a decreased expression of inflammatory factors. Additionally, FNT reduced cytomorphological elongation and F-actin reorganization and attenuated NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and NF-κB-dependent promoter activity. Moreover, the administration of FNT alleviated pseudoallergic responses in vivo in mouse models of C48/80-stimulated PCA and ASA, and DNCB-induced AD. In conclusion, we suggest that FNT may be a novel anti-allergic drug with great potential to alleviate pseudoallergic responses via the inhibition of IgE-independent MC degranulation and NF-κB signaling.