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Planta Med 2011; 77(14): 1575-1581
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1270957
Biological and Pharmacological Activity
Original Papers
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract Attenuates Airway Inflammation and Hyperresponsiveness in a Murine Model of Asthma by Downregulating Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase

Dan-yang Zhou1 , Qiang Du2 , Ruo-ran Li3 , Mao Huang4 , Qian Zhang1 , Guo-zhen Wei1
  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
  • 2Department of Respiratory Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
  • 3Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
  • 4Department of Respiratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
Further Information

Publication History

received Sept. 12, 2010 revised March 3, 2011

accepted March 9, 2011

Publication Date:
30 March 2011 (online)

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Abstract

Allergic asthma is characterized by hyperresponsiveness and inflammation of the airway with increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and overproduction of nitric oxide (NO). Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) has been proved to have antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and other pharmacological effects. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of GSPE on airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model of allergic asthma. BALB/c mice, sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), were intraperitoneally injected with GSPE. Administration of GSPE remarkably suppressed airway resistance and reduced the total inflammatory cell and eosinophil counts in BALF. Treatment with GSPE significantly enhanced the interferon (IFN)-γ level and decreased interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 levels in BALF and total IgE levels in serum. GSPE also attenuated allergen-induced lung eosinophilic inflammation and mucus-producing goblet cells in the airway. The elevated iNOS expression observed in the OVA mice was significantly inhibited by GSPE. In conclusion, GSPE decreases the progression of airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness by downregulating the iNOS expression, promising to have a potential in the treatment of allergic asthma.

Key words

asthma - airway inflammation - hyperresponsiveness - grape seed proanthocyanidin extract - inducible nitric oxide synthase

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Qian Zhang, PhD

Department of Respiratory Medicine
Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University

29 Xinlong Road

Changzhou 213003

China

Phone: +86 5 19 88 10 49 31

Fax: +86 5 19 88 11 55 60

Email: kezhang0601@163.com

Prof. Guo-zhen Wie

Department of Respiratory Medicine
Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University

29 Xinlong Road

Changzhou 213003

China

Phone: +86 5 19 88 10 49 31

Fax: +86 5 19 88 11 55 60

Email: guozhenwei818@sina.com

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