<i>Poria cocos</i> Modulates Th1/Th2 Response and Attenuates Airway Inflammation in an Ovalbumin-Sensitized Mouse Allergic Asthma Model

oleh: Chien-Liang Chao, Chao-Jih Wang, Hsin-Wen Huang, Han-Peng Kuo, Muh-Hwan Su, Hang-Ching Lin, Chia-Wen Teng, Leticia B. Sy, Wen-Mein Wu

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2021-04-01

Deskripsi

<i>Poria cocos</i>, called fuling, is a famous tonic in traditional Chinese medicine that reportedly possesses various pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammation and immunomodulation. However, few studies have investigated the effects of <i>P. cocos</i> on allergic diseases, such as allergic asthma. Allergic asthma is caused primarily by Th2 immune response and characterized by airway inflammation. This study first demonstrated the anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic effects of <i>P. cocos</i> extract (Lipucan<sup>®</sup>). <i>P. cocos</i> extract distinctly exhibited reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the peribronchial and peribronchiolar regions compared to the asthma group in the histological analysis of pulmonary tissue sections. Prolonged <i>P. cocos</i> extract administration significantly reduced eosinophil infiltration, PGE2 levels, total IgE, and OVA-specific IgE. Moreover, <i>P. cocos</i> extract markedly suppressed Th2 cytokines, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10. On the other hand, <i>P. cocos</i> extract significantly elevated IL-2 secretion by Th1 immune response. In addition, <i>P. cocos</i> extract elevated the IFN-γ level at a lower dose. We also observed that <i>P. cocos</i> extract increased the activity of NK cells. Our results suggest that <i>P. cocos</i> extract remodels the intrinsic Th1/Th2 response to prevent or alleviate allergy-induced asthma or symptoms.