RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of Allium cepa (A. cepa) on levels of oxidants, antioxidants, and immunological markers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) of sensitized rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oxidant/antioxidant markers and cytokines in BALF of control rats treated with saline (group C), ovalbumin-sensitized rats (group S), rats treated with 1.25 µg/mL dexamethasone and 3 doses of A. cepa extract (35, 70, and 140 mg/kg body weight [BW]/day) (S + AC) were investigated. Comparison of the results between groups was performed using analysis of variance with the Tukey-Kramer post hoc test. RESULTS: The oxidant markers nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrate (NO3-), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and immunological markers interleukin (IL)-4 and immunoglobulin E (IgE) were significantly higher, but the antioxidant markers superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), thiol, and interferon (IFN)-γ, and the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio were lower in sensitized rats compared to control rats (p < 0.001 to p < 0.01). Compared to group S, the levels of the following markers were significantly lower: NO2, NO3-, and IgE in groups treated with the A. cepa extract, MDA and IL-4 levels in groups treated with 70 and 140 mg/kg BW/day of the A. cepa extract, and all these markers as well as IFN-γ in rats treated with dexamethasone (p < 0.001 to p < 0.05). However, there were significantly higher levels of SOD and CAT and an increased IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio (groups treated with 70 and 140 mg/kg BW/day of the A. cepa extract), and levels of thiol and IFN-γ (group treated with 140 mg/kg BW/day of the A. cepa extract) as well as SOD, CAT, and thiol (dexamethasone-treated group) versus group S (p < 0.00 to p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A. cepa showed antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties in sensitized rats.
