Effect of curcumin on the protein and mRNA expression of osteopontin in asthmatic airway remodeling rats / 中国药学杂志

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of curcumin on the protein and mRNA expression of osteopontin (OPIN) in asthmatic airway remodeling rats. METHODS: Twenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups; normal control group (N group), asthma group (A group) and curcumin group (C group), with each 8 rats. The asthmatic airway remodeling model was established by sensitization and challenge with ovalbumin (OVA). The total brochial wall thickness (Wat) and the brachial smooth muscle thickness (Warn) were measured by image analysis system. The protein expression of OPN in lung homogenats were detected by immunohisto-chemistry (IHC) and the mRNA expression measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Besides, correlative analysis between Warn/Wat and the expression of OPN was studied. RESULTS: Wat and Warn of asthma group were significant higher than those of normal control group. Compared with asthma group, those of curcumin group were significant lower (P<0.01, respectively). The protein expression of OPN detected by IHC in asthma group were significant higher than those in normal control group. Compared with asthma group, those in curcumin group were significant lower (P<0.01, respectively). The mRNA expression of OPN detected by RT-PCR in asthma group were significant higher than those of normal control group. Compared with asthma group, those in curcumin group were significant lower (P<0.01, respectively). There was significantly positive correlation between Wat and the protein/mRNA expression of OPN, also between Warn and the protein/mRNA expression of OPN. CONCLUSION: Curcumin may inhibit asthmatic rat airway remodeling partly through the down regulation of OPN.