Sulforaphane inhibits the Th2 immune response in ovalbumin-induced asthma

BMB Rep. 2012 May;45(5):311-6. doi: 10.5483/bmbrep.2012.45.5.311.

Abstract

Sulforaphane (1-isothiocyanato-4-(methylsulfinyl)-butane), belonging to a family of natural compounds that are abundant in broccoli, has received significant therapeutic interest in recent years. However, the molecular basis of its effects remains to be elucidated. In this study, we attempt to determine whether sulforaphane regulates the inflammatory response in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine asthma model. Mice were sensitized with OVA, treated with sulforaphane, and then challenged with OVA. Sulforaphane administration significantly alleviated the OVA-induced airway hyperresponsiveness to inhaled methacholine. Additionally, sulforaphane suppressed the increase in the levels of SOCS-3 and GATA-3 and IL-4 expression in the OVA-challenged mice. Collectively, our results demonstrate that sulforaphane regulates Th2 immune responses. This sutdy provides novel insights into the regulatory role of sulforaphane in allergen-induced Th2 inflammation and airway responses, which indicates its therapeutic potential for asthma and other allergic diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Asthma / chemically induced
  • Asthma / immunology*
  • Asthma / pathology
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / cytology
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / immunology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Down-Regulation / drug effects
  • Down-Regulation / immunology
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Egg Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Egg Hypersensitivity / pathology
  • Female
  • Isothiocyanates / pharmacology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects*
  • Lymphocyte Count
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Ovalbumin
  • Sulfoxides
  • Th2 Cells / drug effects*
  • Th2 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Isothiocyanates
  • Sulfoxides
  • Ovalbumin
  • sulforaphane