Astragaloside IV targeting autophagy of T cells improves inflammation of asthma.

Astragaloside IV (AST) has been confirmed to have antiasthmatic effects. However, the underline mechanism is unclear. The study aimed to explore the treatment mechanism of AST based on autophagy of memory T cells. AST treatment significantly decreased the number of T effector cells in asthma mice blood and the nude mice that received AST-treated TCMs had relieved inflammation compared with the untreated group; meanwhile, we found that AST significantly decreased the autophagy level and inhibited OX40/OX40L signal pathway of lymphocytes. The results highlighted that AST regulated autophagy to inhibit differentiation of effector T-cell phenotype.

Trends of therapy in the treatment of asthma.

BACKGROUND: To better understand the development of therapy for asthma, grasp the core paradigm associated with the transformation of cognition of asthma treatment and asthma, explore potential and effective therapies for asthma, discover new biomarkers and mechanisms related to asthma treatment, find novel targets for anti-asthma drugs, and predict the future trends of asthma therapy, we used a bibliometric analysis to research articles related to the therapies for asthma published from 1983 to 2022. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted to analyze the articles associated with therapy for asthma with the help of the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database from January 1, 1983 to August 14, 2022. The CiteSpace 6.1.R2 software and VOS viewer 6.1.8 software were utilized to analyze the overall structure of the network, network clusters, links between clusters, key nodes, and pathways. RESULTS: A total of 3902 publications related to therapies on asthma were published in 3211 academic journals by a total of 14,655 authors in 3476 organizations from 87 countries or regions from 1983 to 2022. The United States published the most articles (n = 1143), followed by England (n = 574) and China (n = 405). However, the centrality of China was 0.4, higher than the United States (centrality = 0.16) and Singapore (centrality = 0.11). Akdis Cezmi published the most papers. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology published the most studies on therapies for asthma. Asthma was the most frequent keyword (n = 594). The betweenness centrality value of keywords that were greater than 0.1 included airway inflammation (centrality = 0.22), double blind (centrality = 0.18), asthma (centrality = 0.17), inflammation (centrality = 0.12), and inhaled corticosteroid (centrality = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: The results from this biometric review provide insight into the development of therapy for asthma, the paradigm of recognition of this field, the approach of discovering new targets, exploration and combination of new mechanisms, and the frontier trend of this field in future.

Single-cell RNA-sequencing in asthma research.

Asthma is a complex and heterogeneous disease with multicellular involvement, and knowledge gaps remain in our understanding of the pathogenesis of asthma. Efforts are still being made to investigate the immune pathogenesis of asthma in order to identify possible targets for prevention. Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology is a useful tool for exploring heterogeneous diseases, identifying rare cell types and distinct cell subsets, enabling elucidation of key processes of cell differentiation, and understanding regulatory gene networks that predict immune function. In this article, we provide an overview of the importance of scRNA-seq for asthma research, followed by an in-depth discussion of the results in recent years, in order to provide new ideas for the pathogenesis, drug development and treatment of asthma.

Ferroptosis, novel therapeutics in asthma.

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, was recently demonstrated to be closely associated with the immune system. Regulators of ferroptosis may be the cells and secretions of the immune system. Ferroptosis has contributed to the progression of various diseases, namely, cancer, ischemia, and degenerative diseases. However, research on the relationship between ferroptosis and asthma remains fragmented. Non-immune cells associated with asthma are also closely associated with ferroptosis. Further studies on cross-linking asthma inflammation with ferroptosis signaling pathways could help identify several key molecules, known as ferroptosis regulators, that regulate asthma. Ferroptosis provides a new perspective to interpret and understand the manifestations of asthma, potential drug discovery targets, and new therapeutic options to effectively intervene in the imbalance caused by abnormal inflammation in asthma. Thus, the pathogenesis of ferroptosis and its contribution to the pathogenesis of asthma is essential in deepening the understanding and improving the prognosis and cure rate of the patients. Herein, we introduce the main molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis and asthma, describe the relationship between ferroptosis and asthma based on their common regulatory cells or molecules, and discuss potential drug discovery targets and therapeutic applications of ferroptosis in the context of immunomodulation and symptom alleviation.

Scutellaria Flavonoids Effectively Inhibit the Malignant Phenotypes of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer in an Id1-dependent Manner.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer death in the world. Inhibitor of differentiation 1 (Id1) is overexpressed in NSCLC and involved in promoting its progression and metastasis. Identifying natural compounds targeting Id1 may have utility in NSCLC treatment. Here, we sought to determine whether the anti-tumor activities of Scutellaria flavonoids (SFs) were related to Id1. We reported that three SFs (baicalin, baicalein and wogonin) exhibited strong antitumor activity in NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. Id1 played a pivotal role on blockage of migration and invasion by SFs. Abrogation of invasion and migration mediated by baicalin, baicalein and wogonin were totally abolished by ectopic overexpression of Id1. Mechanistically, baicalin, baicalein and wogonin activated Rap1-GTP binding and dephosphorylated Akt and Src by suppressing a7nAChR, consequently triggering inhibition of Id1. Then attenuation of its downstream mediators, VEGF-A, N-cadherin, vimentin, combined with augment of E-cadherin led to the blockage of proliferation, EMT and angiogenesis of NSCLC. Overall, our data shed light on heretofore-undescribed role of SFs as modulators of Id1, which may be a useful strategy in the treatment of NSCLC.

Baicalein Inhibits Orthotopic Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Xenografts via Src/Id1 Pathway.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide. Inhibitor of differentiation 1 (Id1) is the member mostly linked to tumorigenesis in Id family and a potential molecular target in cancer therapy. In the current study, we established an orthotopic lung cancer model by injecting athymic nude mice with A549 cells and evaluated the antitumor effect of baicalein and expression of Id1-related proteins in vivo and in vitro. Micro-CT images showed that tumor volume in baicalein group was significantly reduced. Western blot analysis revealed that baicalein suppressed the expression of Id1 protein, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related molecules (N-Cadherin, vimentin), and angiogenesis related protein (VEGF-A), accompanied by upregulation of epithelial markers (such as E-cadherin). In addition, phosphorylation of upstream molecular Src was significantly restrained after baicalein treatment. This study firstly demonstrates that baicalein inhibits tumor growth in orthotopic human NSCLC xenografts via targeting Src/Id1 pathway.

Acupuncture Regulates the Balance of CD4+ T Cell Subtypes in Experimental Asthma Mice.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the involvement of different CD4+ T cell subtypes in the anti-asthmatic effects of acupuncture in asthmatic mice. METHODS: BALB/c mice were challenged by ovalbumin (OVA) for the establishment of experimental asthma model. Mice were divided into 4 groups by a random number table including the normal control, asthma model, acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups (14 per group). Acupoints Dazhui (GV 14), bilateral Fengmen (BL 12) and Feishu (BL 13) were selected for manual acupuncture treatment every other day for 4 weeks and Huantiao (GB 30) was selected for sham acupuncture. Airway hyperresponsiveness was examined by Buxco Pulmonary System. Pulmonary histopathology analysis was performed for inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus hypersecretion by haematoxylin eosin staining and periodic acid-Schiffstaining. Inflammatory mediators assays of serum were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Bio-Plex. CD4+ T cell subpopulations including the expression levels of important factors in T lymphocyte polarization in lung tissue were examined by flow cytometric and Western blot analyses. Related pathways were detected by Western blot assay. RESULTS: Compared with the OVA-induced asthma model group, acupuncture could attenuate airway hyperresponsiveness, inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus hypersecretion (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, acupuncture increased the expressions of T-bet and Foxp3+, the cell numbers of CD4+ interferon gamma (IFN-γ)+ and CD4+ Foxp3+ in lung tissue and the level of Treg type cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 in serum (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Meanwhile, acupuncture reduced the RAR-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) level, the cell numbers of CD4+ IL-17A+ as well as the levels of IL-5, IL-13 and IL-17A in serum (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, both acupuncture and sham acupuncture could inhibit the phosphorylation of p38 and p44/42 (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture could alleviate allergic airway inflammation by strengthening the activities of Th1 and Treg, thus regulating the balance of CD4+ T cell subtypes in experimental asthmatic mice.

Kidney-Qi deficiency diagnosed by Deng's diagnosis standard was not correlated with aging based on clinical observation of 90 participants.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory that kidney-Qi deficiency (KQD) is considered to be the main cause of aging using cross-sectional study. METHODS: Demographic and lifestyle characteristics of 90 healthy participants were collected with a self-administered questionnaire. KQD syndrome was diagnosed according to Deng's diagnosis standard. Creatinine-adjusted urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) and 8-isomeric-prostaglandin2α (8-iso-PGF2α), salivary advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), malondialdehyde (MDA) and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) were selected as aging markers and measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in participant characteristics between the KQD group and non-KQD (NKQD) group (P > 0.05). Levels of 8-OH-dG, 8-iso-PGF2α, AOPPs, and MDA increased with age, except for a slight decrease in 8-OH-dG in the older group. The increase in 8-iso-PGF2α was significant (P < 0.05). DHEA-S significantly decreased with increasing age (P < 0.01). 8-OH-dG levels were higher in the KQD group compared with the NKQD group. Levels of urinary 8-iso-PGF2α, salivary AOPPs, and MDA in the KQD group were lower than in the NKQD group. Salivary DHEA-S was higher in the KQD group compared with the NKQD group. However, differences between KQD group and NKQD group were not significant. CONCLUSION: The current results suggested that KQD syndrome, as diagnosed by Deng's standard, does not underlie the aging phenotype.

Changes of the brain activities after chronic restraint stress in rats: A study based on 18F-FDG PET.

As a prevalent disease all over the world, changed functional activities and/or structures in many brain regions have been found in depression. In this study, 5-week chronic restraint stress (CRS) was performed to establish depression rat models, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) was used to detect brain functional activities. Our study found that CRS induced depressive behaviors and increased the expression of serum IL-6. After exposure to CRS, rats showed decreased glucose metabolism in the whole-brain and brain regions including left medial prefrontal and auditory cortices; right amygdala, cingulate cortex, olfactory and AcbCore/Shell; bilateral caudate putamen, dorsal hippocampi, insular and entorhinal cortices. Expression of serum IL-6 and glucose metabolism in most of the above brain regions were significantly correlated with the severity of some CRS-induced depressive behaviors. In conclusion, the increased peripheral inflammatory response and decreased brain functional activities might be the important pathogenesis of experimental depression induced by CRS, and could reflect the severity of depression to some extent.

A Study of Traditional Chinese Medicine Body Constitution Associated with Overweight, Obesity, and Underweight.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the associations among the nine types of body constitution in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with the outcomes of overweight, obesity, and underweight. METHOD: Participants aged 30 to 90 years were recruited from communities in Shanghai and assessed using a self-administered questionnaire pertaining to their demographics, lifestyles, and self-reported medical history. The data of 3748 participants with complete information was available for the analysis. Multinomial logistic regression (MLR) analysis was performed to determine the associations among the TCM constitution variables and the health outcomes. RESULTS: The standards of classification and determination of the constitution in TCM were used to gauge the patients' constitution type. MLR revealed independent and significant associations among the Qi_Deficient and Yang_Deficient groups with the outcomes of overweight, obesity, and underweight (P < 0.10 for all). MLR revealed independent and significant associations among the Qi_Deficient and Yang_Deficient groups with the outcomes of overweight, obesity, and underweight (P < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed significant negative correlations between the Qi_Deficient and Yang_Deficient groups with the outcomes of overweight, obesity, and underweight. On the other hand, positive correlations were found between Phlegm_Dampness and the outcomes of overweight and obesity.

Targeting Tumor Microenvironment: Effects of Chinese Herbal Formulae on Macrophage-Mediated Lung Cancer in Mice.

Our previous studies have shown that Qing-Re-Huo-Xue (QRHX) formulae had significant anti-inflammatory effects in chronic airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease. Here, we examined the effects of QRHX on lung cancer cell invasion and the potential associated mechanism(s), mainly polarization of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. In vivo, QRHX both inhibited tumor growth and decreased the number of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in mice with lung cancer. Further study indicated that QRHX inhibited cancer-related inflammation in tumor by decreasing infiltration of TAMs and IL-6 and TNF-α production and meanwhile decreased arginase 1 (Arg-1) expression and increased inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression. QRHX could markedly inhibit CD31 and VEGF protein expression. Additionally, CXCL12/CXCR4 expression and JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation were reduced in QRHX treatment group. Thus, we draw that QRHX played a more important role in inhibiting tumor growth by regulating TAMs in mice, which was found to be associated with the inhibition of inflammation and the CXCL12/CXCR4/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Regulation of cytotoxicity and apoptosis-associated pathways contributes to the enhancement of efficacy of cisplatin by baicalein adjuvant in human A549 lung cancer cells.

Scutellaria baicalensis (SB; Chinese name, huangqin) is widely used in Chinese medicine as a traditional adjuvant in the chemotherapy of lung and liver cancer. Baicalein is one of the bioactive flavonoid components isolated from the root of SB. The present study aimed to observe the effect of baicalein, in combination with platin-based systemic chemotherapy (cisplatin), on cytotoxicity and apoptosis of human A549 lung cancer cells. The cell cultures were treated with baicalein, cisplatin, or a combination of the two. Cell viability and cytotoxicity was assayed by XTT, and cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. The apoptosis-associated proteins were detected by western blot analysis. The cytokines in the culture supernatant were detected by ELISA. The present study revealed that cisplatin and the baicalein-cisplatin combination inhibited viability and promoted cytotoxicity of A549 cells. Cisplatin, baicalein and baicalein-cisplatin combination treatments were effective in the promotion of apoptosis of A549 cells. Baicalein and baicalein-cisplatin combination treatments also inhibited B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and increased Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) expression. Additionally, cisplatin, baicalein and the baicalein-cisplatin combination promoted caspase-3 expression. Furthermore, the baicalein-cisplatin combination suppressed the secretion of interleukin-6, and baicalein and the combination of baicalein cisplatin decreased the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α of A549 cells. The present study concluded that baicalein combined with cisplatin induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis of A549 cells, and such activity may be associated with the regulation of Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3, indicating a promising alternative method for lung cancer.

Baicalin attenuates inflammation in mice with OVA-induced asthma by inhibiting NF-κB and suppressing CCR7/CCL19/CCL21.

Baicalin, extracted and purified from the Chinese medicinal plant, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Huang qin in Chinese), exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity against asthma. However, it remains unknown whether baicalin inhibits the activity of CC chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) and its ligands, which are crucial for the initiation of airway inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of baicalin on CCR7 and its ligands, CCL19 and CCL21, as well as on the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway in a mouse model of asthma. A mouse model of acute asthma was established by exposing the mice to ovalbumin (OVA) (by intraperitoneal injection and inhalational challenge). Within 24 h of the final OVA challenge, lung function was detected by direct airway resistance analysis. Lung tissues were examined for pathological changes. Inflammatory cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were assessed. ELISA was utilized to evaluate the OVA-IgE, CCL19 and CCL21 levels in BALF. The interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in serum were also detected by ELISA. The protein expression levels of CCR7, as well as that of phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα) and phosphorylated p65 (p-p65) were determined by western blot analysis and RT-qPCR was used to determine the CCR7 mRNA levels. Our data demonstrated that the oral administration of baicalin significantly improved pulmonary function and attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration into the lungs. Baicalin also decreased the levels of OVA-IgE, IL-6, TNF-α and CCR7, as well as those of its ligand, CCL19; the levels of NF-κB were also markedly suppressed by baicalin. The CCR7 mRNA level was substantially decreased. Our results thus suggest that baicalin exerts an inhibitory effect on airway inflammation, and this effect may be associated with the inhibition of CCR7 and CCL19/CCL21, which may provide new mechanistic insight into the anti­inflammatory effects of baicalin.

Ligustrazine attenuates inflammation and the associated chemokines and receptors in ovalbumine-induced mouse asthma model.

Ligustrazine which is isolated from Chinese herb ligusticum chuanxiong hort, has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for asthma treatment. In this study, we aim to observe the effect of ligustrazine on inflammation and the associated chemokines and receptors in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse asthma model. Our data demonstrates that ligustrazine suppresses airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine and lung inflammation in OVA-induced mouse asthma model. Ligustrazine also induces inhibition of inflammatory cells including neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils. In addition, ligustrazine significantly reduces IL-4, IL-5, IL-17A, CCL3, CCL19 and CCL21 level in BALF of asthma mice. Furthermore, ligustrazine induces down-regulation of CCL19 receptor CCR7, STAT3 and p38 MAPK protein expression. Collectively, these results suggest that ligustrazine is effective in attenuation of allergic airway inflammatory changes and related chemokines and receptors in OVA-induced asthma model, and this action might be associated with inhibition of STAT3 and p38 MAPK pathway, which indicates that ligustrazine may be used as a potential therapeutic method to treat asthma.

Loki zupa (Luooukezupa) decoction reduced airway inflammation in an OVA-induced asthma mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Loki zupa (Luooukezupa) decoction, consisting of the roots of Hyssopuscuspidatus Boriss (Shenxiangcao) and Irishalophila Pall root (Yuanweigen), is commonly used in Uygur medicine to treat asthma. However, the mode of action of this material has yet to be elucidated. This study aims to investigate the effects of Loki zupa decoction on the airway inflammation of an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model. METHODS: Mice were divided into normal control (NC), asthma (A), high, medium and low doses of Loki zupa decoction (L 14.0, L 7.0, L 3.5), water extract (LW), n-butanol extract (LN), ethyl acetate extract (LE) and dexamethasone (DEX) groups. Antiasthmatic model was induced by OVA sensitization and challenged using BALB/c mice. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) toward methacholine (Mch) was assessed using Buxco equipment. Lung inflammation was measured by hematoxylin and eosin staining and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell count and classification. Inflammatory cytokines in BALF and serum were analyzed by Bio-Plex assay, and mRNA levels were investigated by qPCR analysis. The roots of H. Boriss (250 g) and I. Pall (250 g) were decocted, concentrated and diluted to 14.0, 7.0 and 3.5 g crude herb/kg body weight. The LW, LN and LE of the Loki zupa decoction were prepared and diluted to a dose equivalent to 7 g of crude herb/kg body weight. RESULTS: Loki zupa decoction and its extracts significantly attenuated the AHR towards Mch (all P < 0.05). Treatment with Loki zupa decoction and its extracts relieved the infiltration of inflammatory cells in and around the airways, and reduced the total white blood cell (all P < 0.05), neutrophil (all P < 0.05), monocyte (all P < 0.05) and eosinophil (all P < 0.05) counts in the BALF. The BALF samples collected from the mice treated with the Loki zupa decoction and its extracts had lower levels of IL-1ß (all P < 0.05), TNF-α (all P < 0.05), IL-2 (all P < 0.05), IL-4 (P = 0.047) and IL-5 (all P < 0.05). The serum samples of these mice also had lower IL-1ß (all P < 0.05), TNF-α (all P < 0.05), IL-4 (all P < 0.05) and IL-5 (all P < 0.05) levels and higher levels of IFN-γ (P < 0.001) compared with the OVA-induced asthma mouse model. qPCR analysis revealed that Loki zupa decoction and its extracts inhibited mRNA expression of IL-4 (all P < 0.05), IL-5 (all P < 0.05) and IL-13 (all P < 0.05) and promoted mRNA expression of IFN-γ (all P < 0.05) in asthmatic mice. CONCLUSION: Loki zupa decoction reduced AHR, attenuated airway inflammation, promoted Th1 and suppressed Th2 cell functions in an OVA-induced asthma mouse model.

[Establishment of Social Stress Induced Depression-like Animal Model in Mice of C57BL/6 Strain and Behavioral Assessments].

OBJECTIVE: To establish social stress induced depression-like model in mice of C57BL/6 strain, and to assess its reliability using differenf behavioral methods. METHODS: Totally 20 male mice of C57BL/6 strain were divided into the normal group and the stress model group by random digit table,10 in each group. Another 10 CD1 mice were subjected to social stress. Mice in the normal control group received no stress, while those in the model group received social stress for 10 successive days. Behavioral assessment was performed using social interaction test (SIT), the elevated plus-maze (EPM) test, tail suspension test (TST), respectively. Serum cortisol level was detected by ELISA to assess the reliability of the model. RESULTS: In the social interaction test when the social target (CDI mice) was inexistent, mice in the normal control group spent longer time in the social interaction zone and less time in the corner zone (P < 0.05); mice in the model group spent less time in the social interaction zone and more time in the corner zone (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal group when CDI mice existed, mice in the model group spent less time in the social interaction zone and more time in the corner zone (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the total times for entry into open arms, close arms, and the maze were obviously reduced (P < 0.05), and the proportion of entering open arms was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in the model group. In TST, the motionless time within the last 4 mm was prolonged in the model group (P < 0.05). The serum cortisol level in the model group was obviously elevated (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Social stress induced depression-like animal model in mice of C57BL/6 straineasquite reliable and possibly suitable to be used in integrative medicine research of combination of disease and syndrome model.

Comparison of effect of granules and herbs of Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi-Tang on airway inflammation in asthmatic mice.

BACKGROUND: Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi-Tang (BSYQT), which is prescribed on the basis of clinical experience, is commonly used in clinics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for asthma treatment. The components of BSYQT include Radix Astragali (RA), Herba Epimedii (HE) and Radix Rehmanniae (RR). The aim of this study was to compare the effect of granules and herbs of BSYQT on airway inflammation in asthmatic mice. METHODS: Sixty female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the normal control (NC) group, asthmatic group (A), decoction of granules of BSYQT treatment group (GD), decoction of herbs of BSYQT treatment group (HD), and dexamethasone treatment group (DEX). The mouse asthmatic model was induced by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge. GD and HD of BSYQT as well as DEX were prepared and administered by intragastric infusion. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine (Mch), lung histopathology analysis, inflammatory mediators in serum (IL-4, IL-5, IL-17A, IFN-γ, and eotaxin) and in lung (IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ, and eotaxin) were selected for investigation and comparison. RESULTS: Both GD and HD treatment could decrease airway resistance (RL) and increase dynamic compliance (Cdyn) to Mch compared with the A group (P < 0.05). HD treatment was more effective in RL reduction than Mch at doses of 3.125 and 6.25 mg/ml (P < 0.05) and in Cdyn increase at Mch doses of 6.25 and 12.5 mg/ml (P < 0.05). There were no marked differences in RL reduction and Cdyn improvement between mice in HD and DEX groups (P > 0.05). Both GD and HD treatment markedly attenuated lung inflammation (P < 0.05), and HD treatment demonstrated more significant therapeutic function in alleviating lung inflammation than that of GD and DEX treatment (P < 0.05). Both GD and HD treatment resulted in a significant reduction in IL-4 and IL-17A levels and an increase in the IFN-γ level in serum compared with the A group (P < 0.05). The effect of HD in lowering the IL-4 and IL-17A level was significantly greater than that of GD (P < 0.05), and was not significantly different from DEX (P > 0.05). HD treatment significantly reduced the serum level of IL-5 and eotaxin compared with the A group (P < 0.05), however, mice in the GD treatment group did not demonstrate this effect. GD and HD treatment significantly reduced IL-4 and eotaxin mRNA expression compared with the A group (P < 0.05). HD treatment significantly reduced IL-5 mRNA expression compared with the A group (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the GD and HD treatment groups in reducing IL-5 and eotaxin mRNA expression (P < 0.05). HD treatment was more effective in down-regulation of IL-5 in serum and eotaxin level both in serum and lung than DEX (P < 0.05). Compared with the A group, an obvious increase in mRNA expression of IFN-γ was observed in both the GD and HD treatment groups (P < 0.05). However, the effect of HD treatment on increase of IFN-γ mRNA expression was more apparent than GD and DEX treatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both GD and HD treatment could decrease AHR, attenuate lung inflammation, reduce IL-4, IL-5, IL-17A, and eotaxin levels and increase IFN-γ levels in asthmatic mice. HD treatment manifests more remarkable inhibitory effects on asthmatic inflammation than GD treatment, which could provide a guide for further research on the screening of the material basis of the best anti-inflammatory effect of BSYQT.