The effects of beetroot juice on airways inflammation, cytokine levels, and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated using an allergen-induced murine model of asthma. Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized and challenged BALB/c mice were used as an asthma model. BALB/c mice were randomly assigned into four groups: control (Ova sensitization and normal saline challenge), control and beetroot (Ova sensitization and normal saline challenge plus beetroot juice), Ova S/C [Ova sensitization and challenge (Ova S/C)], Ova S/C and beetroot juice (Ova S/C plus beetroot juice). The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed for total and differential inflammatory cells count. The levels of cytokines [interleukin (IL)-10, IL-13, and IL-18], and oxidative stress biomarkers [glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)] were analyzed in the lung tissue. Simultaneous administration of beetroot juice and Ova S/C significantly increased the total inflammatory cells compared to the control (p = .0001) and Ova S/C (p = .013) groups and significantly increased the number of eosinophils (p ˂ .0001) and macrophages (p ˂ .0001) compared to the control. Moreover, the simultaneous administration of beetroot juice and Ova S/C did not affect the level of IL-10, IL-13, IL-18, GPx, or TBARS compared to the control (p > .05), but it significantly increased the level of catalase (p = .002). Results suggest that beetroot juice aggravates asthma by enhancing airway inflammation. However, it does not affect airway inflammation in healthy mice. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease that is characterized by variable degrees of airways inflammation and obstruction. Paradox data are reported in the literature regarding beetroot and asthma. The present study revealed that beetroot juice exacerbates asthma by enhancing airway inflammation. However, it is safe and has no effects on airway inflammation in healthy mice. Patients having asthma or a history of asthma are advised to avoid the consumption of beetroot.
Keywords: Beta vulgaris; asthma; beetroot; inflammation, ovalbumin, oxidative stress.
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