Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi formula (BSYQF) could suppress chronic airway
inflammation according to previous studies. However, there is relatively little direct experimental evidence to evaluate the effects of BSYQF treatment on
airway remodeling in chronic
asthma. Recent evidence suggests that oxidative stress is involved in airway
inflammation and
airway remodeling in chronic
asthma. BSYQF which includes various of chemical components having
antioxidant effects, could be beneficial in attenuating
airway remodeling in chronic
asthma. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of BSYQF treatment on
airway remodeling and investigate its potential mechanisms in chronic
asthma. To develop the murine models of chronic
asthma, BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged to
ovalbumin for 8 weeks. BSYQF (5, 10, 20 g raw herbs/kg
body weight) or
tiotropium bromide (0.1 mM) were administered orally and intranasal instillation, respectively. The effect of BSYQF on
pulmonary inflammation and remodeling was evaluated. The parameters of oxidative stress in the lung were analyzed. BSYQF treatment reduced
airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), Th2 response including
IL-4,
IL-13, and OVA-specific
IgE and
IgG1,
transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), vascular endothelium
growth factor (
VEGF), airway
inflammation and
airway remodeling including smooth muscle thickening and peribronchial
collagen deposition. As for oxidative stress, BSYQF treatment reduced
reactive oxygen species (ROS),
Malondialdehyde (MDA), NO, and the expression of
inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), but increased significantly
glutathione (GSH) /
Oxidized glutathione(GSSH) ratios in the lung, restored mitochondrial ultrastructural changes of bronchial epithelia and
ATP levels in the lung. In summary, this study suggested that BSYQF treatment ameliorated
airway remodeling and alleviated asthmatic features in chronic
asthma models. Anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant effect of BSYQF may explain why BSYQF has effects on preventing
airway remodeling.