Majie Pingchuan cataplasm alleviates asthma by regulating Th1/Th2/Treg/ Th17 balance

Abstract

Abstract Background T cells play a critical role in inflammatory diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Majie Pingchuan cataplasm (MJPC) on asthma and to propose a possible mechanism involved in this process. Methods Airway inflammation, infiltration of inflammatory cells, levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-17 and IFN-γ, and levels of Th2, Treg, Th17 and Th1 cells, and the expressions of IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, GATA-3, Foxp3, RORγt, and T-bet were detected. Key findings: MJPC treatment reduced lung airway resistance and inflammatory infiltration in lung tissues. MJPC treatment also reduced the numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils in the blood and BALF. The levels of IL-4 and IL-17 in the blood, BALF, and lungs were suppressed by MJPC, and IFN-γ and IL-10 were increased. Furthermore, MJPC suppressed the percentage of Th2 and Th17, and increased the percentage of Th1 and Treg in spleen cells. In addition, MJPC can inhibit asthma by increasing expressions of IFN-γ, IL-10, T-bet and Foxp3 as well as decreasing expressions of IL-4, IL-17, GATA-3 and RORγt. Conclusions MJPC may improve airway hyper-responsiveness and inflammation by regulating Th1/Th2/Treg/Th17 balance in OVA rats. And MJPC may be a new source of antiasthma drugs.