Mulberroside F improves airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in asthmatic mice

Abstract

AbstractMulberroside F is isolated from the leaves and roots of Morus alba L. Here, we investigated whether mulberroside F could alleviate airway inflammation and eosinophil infiltration in the lungs of asthmatic mice. We also examined whether mulberroside F attenuated inflammatory responses in human tracheal epithelial BEAS‐2B cells. Female BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), and administered different doses of mulberroside F via intraperitoneal injection. Additionally, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α‐stimulated BEAS‐2B cells were treated with various doses of mulberroside F, followed by detection of the expressions of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The results demonstrated that mulberroside F mitigated the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and CCL11, in inflammatory BEAS‐2B cells. Mulberroside F also suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and ICAM‐1 expression in TNF‐α‐stimulated BEAS‐2B cells, which effectively suppressed monocyte cell adherence. In an animal model of asthma, mulberroside F treatment attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophil infiltration, and goblet cell hyperplasia. Mulberroside F treatment also decreased lung fibrosis and airway inflammation in OVA‐sensitized mice. Moreover, mulberroside F significantly reduced expressions of Th2‐associated cytokines (including interleukin(IL)‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared to OVA‐sensitized mice. Our results confirmed that mulberroside F is a novel bioactive compound that can effectively reduce airway inflammation and eosinophil infiltration in asthmatic mice via inhibition of Th2‐cell activation.