Naringenin inhibits allergen-induced airway remodeling in a murine model of asthma

The flavonoid naringenin has been shown to attenuate airway inflammation and airway hyper-reactivity in acute murine models of asthma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of naringenin in allergen-induced airway remodeling in mice. Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice were challenged with OVA for 8 weeks to produce a model of chronic asthma. Airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), inflammation and remodeling were evaluated in mice receiving naringenin prior to OVA challenge. Compared to OVA-sensitized and -challenged mice, those treated with naringenin showed markedly attenuated chronic inflammation, persistent AHR and airway remodeling. In addition, naringenin treatment caused a significant reduction in the levels of total serum IgE and of T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Naringenin may thus delay the progression of airway remodeling, providing a potential treatment for asthma.