2. Academic Validation
  3. Alpha-linolenic acid improves nasal mucosa epithelial barrier function in allergic rhinitis by arresting CD4+ T cell differentiation via IL-4Rα-JAK2-STAT3 pathway

Alpha-linolenic acid improves nasal mucosa epithelial barrier function in allergic rhinitis by arresting CD4+ T cell differentiation via IL-4Rα-JAK2-STAT3 pathway

  • Phytomedicine. 2023 Jul 25:116:154825. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154825.
Yuanyuan Ding 1,  Yuejin Wang 1,  Yonghui Zhang 1,  Baowen Dang 1,  Shiting Hu 1,  Chenrui Zhao 1,  Yihan Huang 1,  Guodong Zheng 1,  Tianyou Ma 2,  Tao Zhang 3
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 College of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Yanta West Road, Xi'an 710061, China.
  • 2 School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China; Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
  • 3 College of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Yanta West Road, Xi'an 710061, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
PMID: 37178572 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154825
Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) defined as inflammation and tissue remodeling of the nasal mucosa in atopic individuals after allergen exposure. Alpha-linolenic acid [cis-9, cis-12, cis-15-octadecatrienoic acid (18:3)] (ALA) as dietary supplementation can reduce inflammation and allergic symptoms.

Objective: To evaluate the potential therapeutic effect and mechanism of ALA in AR mouse model.

Methods: Ovalbumin sensitized AR mouse model were challenged with oral ALA administration. Nasal symptoms, tissue pathology, immune cell infiltration and goblet cell hyperplasia were investigated. Levels of IgE, TNF-β, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-12, IL-13 and IL-25 were determined by ELISA in serum and nasal fluid. Quantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescence were performed for occludin and zonula occludens-1 expression. CD3+CD4+ T-cells from peripheral blood and splenic lymphocytes were isolated and Th1/Th2 ratio were determined. Mouse naive CD4+ T cell were isolated and Th1/Th2 ratio, IL-4Rα expression, and IL5/IL13 secretion were determined. IL-4Rα-JAK2-STAT3 pathway change in AR mice were performed by western blot.

Results: Ovalbumin induced AR, nasal symptoms, pathological performance, IgE, and cytokine production. ALA treated mice showed reduced nasal symptoms, nasal inflammation, nasal septum thickening, goblet cell hyperplasia, and eosinophil infiltration. In serum and nasal fluid of ovalbumin challenged mice, ALA decreased IgE, IL-4 levels, and the increase of Th2-cells. ALA prevented the disruption of the epithelial cell barrier in ovalbumin-challenged AR mice. Simultaneously, ALA prevents IL-4 induced barrier disruption. ALA treatment of AR by affecting the differentiation stage of CD4+T cells and block IL-4Rα-JAK2-STAT3 pathway.

Conclusion: This study suggests that ALA has the potential therapeutic effect to ovalbumin-induced AR. ALA can affect the differentiation stage of CD4+T cells and improve epithelial barrier functions through IL-4Rα-JAK2-STAT3 pathways.

Clinical implication: ALA might be considered as drug candidate for improving epithelial barrier function through Th1/Th2 ratio recovery in AR.

Keywords

Allergic rhinitis; Alpha-linolenic acid; IL-4Rα; Immunoglobulin E; Th1/Th2 balance.

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