Study the Effects of Monascus Purpureus and Statins on Immune Responses in an Asthmatic Mice Model

Bronchial asthma, a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways is usually characterized with elevated serum IgE, bronchial eosinophil infiltration, as well as inflammatory cytokines and mediators. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used in the treatment of airway diseases, including bronchial asthma. However, solid scientific evidence with the use of TCM has not been available, particularly concern related to toxicity, doses and frequency, and pharmacological mechanisms. Recently, the inhibition of inflammatory responses has been described with a group of stain drugs, which are the inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl co-enzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. A commonly used Chinese herb, Monascus purpureus, also contains a statin compoundlovastatin. Thus, we would like to investigate whether the extract from Monascus purpureus or other statins have the therapeutic or preventive effect on our chicken ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice model. Out preliminary data indicate that lovastatin and simvastatin had the potential to significantly reduced airway hypersensitiveness and eosinophil infiltration. In this project, we would further analyze whether the extract from Monascus purpureus or other statins can reduce the airway hypersensitive responses, eosinophil infiltration, and serum OVA-specific Ig levels. Moreover, whether the extract from Monascus purpureus or other statins have preventive effect to asthma will be examined. The inflammatory mediators in lung tissues of the treated mice will also be analyzed. The changes of cytokine production from T cells and the surface markers of macrophages after the incubation with the drugs will be tested to delineate the potential immune regulatory mechanisms of statins. During the third year of this project, we would like to focus on whether there is synergistic or agonist effect between different statins. The data from this study will provide the scientific bases of the effect of the extract from Monascus purpureus or other statins as an important compartment of healthy food to asthmatic patients. Moreover, the results will serve as the reference information for further clinical trails related to these drugs. 表

Project ID:PC9709-0202
External Project ID:NSC97-2320-B182-017