lignans and Bronchial-Hyperreactivity

Topics: Allergens; Asthma, Occupational; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Humans; Lignans; Naphthols; Pollen; Thuja

Macelignan isolated from Myristica fragrans Houtt. is widely used for spice and flavoring for foods, and has been reported to have anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of macelignan on allergic lung inflammation with a murine model of experimental asthma.. Fungal protease mixed with chicken egg ovalbumin allergen was used as a challenge to induce murine experimental asthma. To determine its effects on allergy and inflammation, macelignan was administered orally during allergen challenge, and the symptoms of allergic asthma and its underlined mechanisms were examined.. Treatment with macelignan attenuated eosinophilic airway inflammation and airway hyper-responsiveness. With the administration of macelignan, interleukin-4 (IL-4) producing cells, but not interferon-γ (IFN-γ) or IL-17 producing cells, were diminished in the lungs. Additionally, activation of the T helper type 2 (Th2) cell-specific master transcription factor, GATA3 was decreased with macelignan treatment. Finally, production of IL-4 but not IFN-γ or IL-17, by CD4(+) T cells was reduced with stimulation when combined with the administration of macelignan.. Our data show that macelignan has anti-inflammatory effects on Th2 cell-mediated allergic lung inflammation and could potentially provide a novel preventative and/or therapy for the treatment of allergic diseases.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Asthma; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Disease Models, Animal; Female; GATA3 Transcription Factor; Interleukin-4; Lignans; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Transgenic; Myristica; Plant Extracts; Th2 Cells

The purpose of the present investigation was to study bronchial responsiveness and pulmonary function in Swedish sawmill workers, who are not exposed to plicatic acid, the sensitizer in red wood cedar asthma. Bronchial responsiveness, transfer factor, spirometry, and precipitating antibodies in serum against sawmill fungi were measured in 164 workers at five sawmills. The results from workers inside the sawing area (sawyers, n=59), in the trimming department (trimmers, n=66), and from other workers in the sawmill (sawyer-referents, n=39) were compared. Sawyers had higher bronchial responsiveness than referents. In 55% of the sawyers FEV1 decreased by 20% or more within the highest dose of methacholine compared with 31% of sawyer-referents and 41% of trimmers (p<0.01, sawyers/referents). Sawyers decreased 74% more in FEV1 per milligram of inhaled methacholine compared with referents (geometric means, p<0.01). The transfer test in never-smokers was 13% lower in sawyers than in trimmers (p<0.01) and 8% lower compared with sawyer-referents (nonsignificant p<0.1). Presence of precipitating antibodies was not associated with changes in pulmonary function. Some agents in the sawing area of sawmills appear to increase bronchial responsiveness and decrease diffusion capacity.

Topics: Adult; Allergens; Antibodies, Fungal; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchial Provocation Tests; Bronchoconstrictor Agents; Dust; Forced Expiratory Volume; Fungi; Humans; Lignans; Lung; Male; Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate; Maximal Midexpiratory Flow Rate; Methacholine Chloride; Middle Aged; Naphthols; Occupational Diseases; Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity; Smoking; Spirometry; Spores; Sweden; Trees; Vital Capacity