T helper cells subtypes and their cytokine gene expression affected by carvacrol in sensitized mice administered during sensitization period

Carvacrol showed various pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory property. In the present study, the effects of carvacrol on Th1, Th2, Th17 and T reulatory subpopulations as well as their cytokine gene expressions in sensitized mice were examined. Mice were sensitized by ovalbumin injection and inhalation. Animal were randomly assigned to: control, sensitize (S), S treated with dexamethasone (0.1mM), and carvacrol (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg) during sensitization period. Spleen cells were then extracted and gene expressions of IL-4, IFN-, TGF-β, FOXP3, and IL-17 mRNA were assessed by Real time PCR. In addition, Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. Th2, Th17, gene expression of IL-4, IL-17 and TGF-β were increased but Th1, Th1/Th2 ratio, gene expression of IFN- and FOXP3 as well as IFN-/IL-4 ratio were decreased in S group (p<0.001 for all cases). Carvacrol treatment caused significant reduction of Th2, Th17, gene expression of IL-4, IL-17 and TGF-β but increase Treg cells, Th1/Th2 ratio, gene expressions of FOXP3 and IFN- and IFN-/IL-4 ratio (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Th1, Th2, Th17, gene expression of IL-4, IL-17 and TGF-β were significantly decreased but only Treg was increased in dexamethasone treatment group (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Carvacrol treatment during sensitization period increased anti-inflammatory cytokine and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines gene expression as well as relevant cell subsets in the sple...
Source: European Respiratory Journal - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Airway Cell Biology and Immunopathology Source Type: research