Investigation of Possible Immunomodulatory Effects of Resveratrol as an Add-on Therapy in a Murine Model of Ovalbumin-Induced Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial asthma is defined as chronic inflammation with reversible airway obstruction and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) as cardinal features that presented clinically by variable symptoms, namely wheeze, breathlessness, chest tightness or cough. The most prevalent form of asthma is atopic asthma which is initiated by the exposure to inhaled allergens and resultant allergenspecific immune responses. It is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality and is estimated to affect 300 million people worldwide, with increasing prevalence [1]. At an immunological level; Th2 inflammation and the presence of activated eosinophils and mast cells are key features of asthma. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have recently emerged as key receptors of the innate immune system. They recognize specific pathogenassociated molecular patterns initiating a host defense response. TLR2 signaling may coordinate the development of a Th1 phenotype in some individuals and where this function is reduced there could be an increased risk of atopy and asthma [2]. However, there is also the possibility that in adults in whom asthma has developed, activation of TLR2 may lead to exacerbations in inflammation and symptoms. Recent evidence suggests that bacterial infection, which will result in activation of TLR2, contributes to disease severity. Activation of TLR2 on pulmonary mast cells results in the release of various Abstract Background: Bronchial asthma is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality with increasing prevalence worldwide. Although corticosteroids are routinely used in management of bronchial asthma either for long term therapy or control of acute attacks, but unfortunately they have limitations due to their diverse side effects. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, exhibits a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities, such as anticarcinogenesis, cardiovascular protection, and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus it is of much interest to investigate possible immunomodulatory effects of resveratrol in bronchial asthma representing a new mechanism that has not yet been fully elucidated.