Rutin has anti-asthmatic effects in an ovalbumin-induced asthmatic mouse model

Purpose: To investigate the anti-asthmatic effects of the flavonoid rutin in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mouse model.
Methods: Asthma was induced by OVA induction. Effects of rutin (25–100 mg/kg BW) on interleukins (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 and interferon (IFN)-γ in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum OVA-specific IgE levels were assessed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was measured by determining lung compliance and airway resistance. Expression levels of p-I-κBα, p-NF-κB p65, TNF-α, and Foxp3 were also assessed. The CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ T regulatory cell population was determined by flow cytometry.
Results: Rutin significantly (p < 0.05) decreased Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), whereas it enhanced IFN-γ levels in BALF. Decreased OVA-specific serum IgE was also observed with improved lung histology. Rutin was effective in reducing AHR and regulating the expression levels of p-I-κBα, p-NF-κB p65, and TNF α, and also increased the CD4⁺ CD25⁺ Foxp3⁺ Treg cell population and Foxp3 mRNA and protein levels.
Conclusion: Rutin effectively suppresses OVA-induced asthma and improves airway function by suppressing inflammatory mediators and inflammatory cell infiltration.

Keywords
Asthma; CD4⁺ CD25⁺; Cytokines; Inflammation; Ovalbumin; Rutin; Protein levels