Mastic alleviates allergic inflammation in asthmatic model mice by inhibiting recruitment of eosinophils.
The pathogenesis of allergic asthma is characterized by airway inflammation, eosinophilia, and airway hyperresponsiveness. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of mastic, obtained from the stem and the leaves of Pistacia lentiscus trees, on allergic asthma. In an ovalbumin-induced mouse asthma model, mastic significantly inhibited eosinophilia, while reducing airway hyperresponsiveness and suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-5 and IL-13) as well as chemokines (eotaxin, eotaxin2, and regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Moreover, mastic potently inhibited eotaxin-induced eosinophil chemotaxis in vitro without influencing eotaxin receptor, chemokine receptor 3, expression. These results suggest that mastic may contribute to the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Qiao
Jianou
J
639 Zhizaoju Road, Respiratory Department, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China.
Li
Ang
A
Jin
Xianqiao
X
Wang
Jian
J
D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D018893:Bronchoalveolar Lavage; D002633:Chemotaxis / Q000187:drug effects; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D000069997:Mastic Resin; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D027927:Pistacia / Q000737:chemistry*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry*; D018547:Plant Stems / Q000737:chemistry*; D011657:Pulmonary Eosinophilia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D012116:Resins, Plant / Q000494:pharmacology*
D016207:Cytokines; D000069997:Mastic Resin; D012116:Resins, Plant