Protective effects of pollenin B in asthma: PPAR-γ-mediated regulation of inflammatory pathways and arachidonic acid metabolism.

BACKGROUND

Asthma poses a significant global health challenge, characterized by increasing prevalence and treatment complexities. Although Ephedrae Herba has long been used in asthma therapy, its pharmacological basis and mechanism of action remain unclear.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to clarify the protective effects of pollenin B (PolB), a compound extracted from Ephedrae Herba, in asthmatic mice and to thoroughly explore its possible action pathways and molecular mechanisms. This study supplements pharmacological research on the anti-asthmatic effects of Ephedrae Herba and provides more information for the development of novel and highly effective drugs for the treatment of asthma.

METHODS

An ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model was used to evaluate the effects of PolB on asthma symptoms and lung histopathology. Furthermore, cytokine profiles in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), immune cell populations, and serum metabolomics data were analyzed to identify the pathways involved in PolB activity. PPAR-γ was identified as a key target, and its interaction with PolB was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis. A PPAR-γ inhibitor (T0070907) was administered in vivo, and combined PPAR-γ agonist (rosiglitazone)/inhibitor (T0070907) assays were conducted in vitro to validate the mechanisms involved.

RESULTS

PolB improved asthma symptoms, modulated cytokine levels in the serum and BALF, modulated immune cells, and influenced arachidonic acid metabolism. Further mechanistic exploration indicated that PolB mitigated airway inflammation by regulating arachidonic acid metabolism and the JAK-STAT pathway via PPAR-γ.

CONCLUSION

PolB exerts anti-asthmatic effects via PPAR-γ-mediated regulation of key pathways. These findings not only enrich modern pharmacological research on the anti-asthmatic properties of Ephedrae Herba but also deepen our understanding of asthma pathogenesis, thus providing new insights into the optimization of asthma prevention and treatment.