Abstract
The effects of Curcuma longa (C. longa) on total and differential WBC, inflammatory and immunologic mediators, and oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of rats model of asthma were assessed. Animals were divided to 5 groups including control (C), asthma (sensitized to ovalbumin), and asthmatic groups treated with 0.75, 1.50, and 3.00 mg/ml C. longa (CL) and 1.25 μg/ml dexamethasone (D) (8 rats in each group). Total and differential WBC count, concentrations of phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)), total protein (TP), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), immunoglobulin E (IgE), NO(2), NO(3), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and thiol in BALF were assessed. Total and most differential WBC counts and BALF levels of PLA(2), TP, IgE, IL-4, and oxidants in asthma group were higher but antioxidants and IFN-γ levels as well as IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio were lower than control group (p < 0.001 for all cases). Total WBC and levels of PLA(2), IgE, NO(2), and NO(3) were significantly reduced following treatment with C. longa, compared to asthma group (p < 0.001 for all cases). In groups treated with dexamethasone and two higher concentrations of C. longa, neutrophil and eosinophil counts as well as TP, IL-4, and MDA levels were significantly decreased but IFN-γ, IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio, and antioxidants were increased (except IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio), compared to asthma group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Compared to dexamethasone, C. longa exerted more pronounced effects on lung inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system in asthmatic rats.