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Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Polystyrene microplastic induced airway hyper-responsiveness, and pulmonary inflammation are mitigated by bronchom
Acharya Balkrishna1, Aakanksha Tiwari2, Sandeep Sinha2
1Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249 405, India; Department of Allied and Applied Sciences, University of Patanjali, Patanjali Yog Peeth, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249 405, India; Patanjali Yog Peeth (UK) Trust, 40 Lambhill Street, Kinning Park, Glasgow G41 1AU, United Kingdom; Patanjali Yogpeeth Nepal, Budhanilkanth Metropolitan Wada No.8, Mandikatar, Kathamandu, Nepal.
Abstract:
Microplastics are global menace-associated with respiratory damages. The objective of this study was to investigate the airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) and inflammation induced by polystyrene microplastic (PSMPs) in male C57BL/6 mice and its modulation by 'Bronchom', an herbal medicine. For the study, animals were pre-treated with varying doses of Bronchom before 21-day exposure to PSMPs, followed by assessment of pulmonary damages. PSMPs exposure in mice significantly induced AHR to methacholine, represented by elevated respiratory resistance, and reduced lung compliance. PSMPs also induced influx of pro-inflammatory cells and release of pro-inflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6 and MIP-2α in the bronchoalveolar lavage of PSMPs-exposed animals. Histopathological analysis confirmed leukocyte infiltration and mild fibrosis in the lung tissues of PSMPs-exposed animals. PSMPs-exposure also enhanced mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in lung tissues. Bronchom-treated mice showed significant protection against the PSMPs-induced AHR, inflammatory cell influx and cytokine expression, along with histopathological changes in dose-dependent manner. Pirfenidone used as a positive control showed beneficiary effects against PSMPs-induced respiratory distress. Interestingly, FTIR spectroscopy of the Bronchom-treated mice lung tissues indicated dose-dependent reduction in PSMPs-specific transmittance signatures, suggesting their reduced bioaccumulation. In human THP-1 macrophages, Bronchom also attenuated PSMPs-induced TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines release. Ultra-high-performance-liquid-chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QToF-MS) identified 80 phytochemicals, associated with robust anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant profile. These results indicated that Bronchom effectively mitigates PSMPs-induced respiratory distress-associated inflammation and PSMPs bioaccumulation in lung tissue, likely due to its rich phytochemical composition. This study highlights Bronchom as a promising herbal intervention against microplastic-associated pulmonary ailments.
Insights
This study shows that polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) cause airway hyper-responsiveness and inflammation in mice. The herbal medicine Bronchom effectively reduced these respiratory damages and microplastic accumulation in lung tissue.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) pose a global environmental and health threat, with emerging evidence linking them to respiratory issues.
- Polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) are common environmental contaminants, and their impact on respiratory health requires thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of PSMPs on airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) and pulmonary inflammation in a mouse model.
- To evaluate the potential protective effects of the herbal medicine 'Bronchom' against PSMPs-induced respiratory damage.
Main Methods:
- Male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to PSMPs for 21 days, with some groups pre-treated with varying doses of Bronchom or pirfenidone (positive control).
- Airway responsiveness, pulmonary inflammation markers (cytokines, cellular influx), histopathology, and PSMPs bioaccumulation (FTIR spectroscopy) were assessed.
- In vitro assays using THP-1 macrophages and phytochemical analysis (UPLC-QToF-MS) of Bronchom were performed.
Main Results:
- PSMPs exposure significantly induced AHR, reduced lung compliance, and caused pulmonary inflammation, characterized by increased pro-inflammatory cells and mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, MIP-2α).
- Bronchom treatment dose-dependently mitigated PSMPs-induced AHR, inflammation, and histopathological lung damage, and reduced PSMPs bioaccumulation.
- Bronchom also attenuated PSMPs-induced cytokine release in human macrophages and was found to contain 80 phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Conclusions:
- Bronchom demonstrates significant protective effects against PSMPs-induced respiratory distress and inflammation.
- The herbal medicine may reduce PSMPs bioaccumulation in lung tissue, highlighting its potential as an intervention for microplastic-associated pulmonary ailments.
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