Effect of Ran Agar-8 on cytokine expressions in mice model of bronchial asthma

Abstract

Background: Symptoms of breathlessness as described in traditional medicine sources are similar to bronchial asthma. In Mongolian traditional medicine, ran agar-8 has been used to treat cough and asthma caused by wind-blood disturbance. Aim: To examine the effect of ran agar-8 on the expressions of cytokines in ovalbumin-induced asthma in mice. Materials and Methods: BALB/c mice were injected with ovalbumin to induce asthma. Ran agar-8 was given orally at doses of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg for 28 consecutive days. Serum levels of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were evaluated by ELISA. mRNA expressions of IL-6, IL-10, and IL17A in the lungs were determined by real-time PCR. Results: Agar-8 dose-dependently decreased serum levels of IL-17A, IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α in mice exposed to ovalbumin. Also, it significantly increased ovalbumin-induced IL-10 levels in mice (p<0.05). Agar-8 significantly decreased ovalbumin-induced mRNA expressions of IL-6 and IL-17A in the lung tissues of mice (p<0.01). While it significantly increased IL-10 mRNA levels in lung tissues of the asthma models (p<0.05). Conclusions: Ran agar-8 inhibits activities of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17A, IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α and increases levels of IL-10, the anti-inflammatory cytokine, in allergic asthma models.