title: Ovalbumin-induced allergic inflammation lead to structural alterations in mouse model and protective effects of intranasal curcumin: A comparative study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Antigen exposure and persistent inflammation leads to structural changes in the asthmatic airways which are collectively termed as "airway remodelling". Presently available asthma medications ameliorate inflammations but are unable to prevent or reverse the airway remodelling process as most of the treatment strategies are only focused on inflammation instead of remodelling.
  
  
  METHODS
  Curcumin, a phytochemical present in the rhizome of Curcuma longa is well known for its anti-inflammatory activity; however, the main drawback is its poor bioavailability which limits its therapeutic approval. So, the effect of nasal curcumin on acute and chronic asthma has been studied where short exposure to ovalbumin (4 days) represents acute phase whereas repeated exposures for longer (twice per week till 5 weeks) represents chronic asthma. Disodium cromoglycate (DSCG, 50mg/kg, i.p.) and dexamethasone (1mg/kg, i.p.) were used as standard drugs in acute and chronic model of asthma respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  OVA-induced airway inflammation initiated in acute stage led to remodelling due to persistent inflammation, epithelial and sub epithelial thickening (smooth muscle thickening), extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus plug formation. Intranasal curcumin is effective in inhibiting airway inflammation and remodelling both by maintaining the structural integrity of lungs in terms of inflammation, airway wall thickening and mucus production.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest that curcumin administered through nasal route might prove therapeutically efficient in inhibiting allergic airway inflammations and maintaining structural integrity in the mouse model of allergic asthma. This may lead to the development of curcumin aerosol in near future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, MMV, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
authors.lastname: Subhashini
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, MMV, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Chauhan
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, MMV, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India. Electronic address: rashmirs98@rediffmail.com.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D056151:Airway Remodeling / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D001682:Biological Availability; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D030024:Curcuma / Q000737:chemistry; D003474:Curcumin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020397:Goblet Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010047:Ovalbumin / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone; D010047:Ovalbumin; D003474:Curcumin; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium
keywords: Acute and chronic asthma; Airway remodelling; Collagen deposition; Inflammation