Antiallergic effect of KOB03, a polyherbal medicine, on mast cell-mediated allergic responses in ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis mouse and human mast cells.
BACKGROUND
KOB03 is a polyherbal medicine consisting of five different herbs and has commonly been used for the treatment of various allergic diseases. However, its precise anti-allergic effect and mechanism remain unknown.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of KOB03 on allergic responses through the regulation of mast-cell mediated allergic inflammation.


METHODS
To determine the effect of KOB03 on mast cell-mediated allergic reactions, we investigated the parameter changes of in vivo models such as compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis, and the release of allergic inflammatory mediators such as histamine, immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and inflammatory cytokines via the MAPKs and NF-kappaB pathways.


RESULTS
The oral administration of KOB03 at doses of 100 and 200mg/kg inhibited histamine release and mortality in compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic rats. KOB03 also improved rhinitis symptoms, inhibited the histopathological changes of nasal mucosa, and decreased the serum levels of histamine, OVA-specific IgE and TNF-α in OVA-induced allergic rhinitis in mice. In vitro, KOB03 suppressed compound 48/80-induced histamine release by blocking mast cell degranulation. In addition, KOB03 inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 in PMA/A23187-stimulated HMC-1 mast cells by suppressing their gene expression and blocking the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that KOB03 has an anti-allergic effect by modulating mast cell-mediated allergic responses in allergic rhinitis.
Oriental Medicine R&D Center, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 780-714, Republic of Korea.
Hyo
H
Won Jung
Jin-Ki
JK
Jung
Cheong
C
Weon Cho
Jong-Seong
JS
Kang
Yong-Ki
YK
Park
D000485:Allergens; D000818:Animals; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002460:Cell Line; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics; D006636:Histamine Release / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D019684:Magnoliopsida; D008297:Male; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000378:metabolism; D009296:Nasal Cavity; D010047:Ovalbumin; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D003189:p-Methoxy-N-methylphenethylamine
D000485:Allergens; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D016207:Cytokines; C585464:KOB03; D016328:NF-kappa B; D010936:Plant Extracts; D028321:Plant Preparations; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D003189:p-Methoxy-N-methylphenethylamine; D010047:Ovalbumin; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases