Regulation of airway remodeling and oxidative stress in ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma pregnant mouse

Oxidative stress (OS) is involved in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma and airway remodeling. Among pregnant mothers, the prevalence of allergic asthma is climbing. At present, data of the imaging in branchial lumen area of allergen-induced pregnant asthma mouse model using micro-computer tomography (CT) as a modality is less reported. This study determined the effects of 100μg/200μl ovalbumin (OVA) on airway remodeling in pregnant mouse model. Eighteen (18) female BALB/c mice aged 4-5 weeks old and weighed 20-25g were divided equally into sham (G1), PBS (G2) and 100μg/200μL OVA (G3). Animals were subjected to airway sensitization (intraperitoneal injection, i.p), airway challenge (nasal instillation, n.i), and superovulation with gonadotrophins before being mated with fertile males at 1:1 ratio. At the end of the treatment, asthma was stimulated by methacholine. Animals were then euthanized on Day 10 post coitum. The serum was subjected to inflammatory biomarkers (IL5 & IL13), F2 isoprostane, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and pregnancy hormonal (progesterone P4 & estrogen E2) assays. Animals were also subjected to micro-CT and hematoxylin&eosin (H&E) to determine the lumen area. Reduced bronchial lumen area (p<0.05) consistent with increased bronchial wall thickness (p<0.001) was noted in the treated group. Serum interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13, and 8-isoprostane were remarkably higher in the treated animals respectively (p<0.001, p<0.05, and p<0.05). In contrast, serum TAC, P4, and E2 were reduced in the treated compared to control animals (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.001). Dose of 100 µg/200 µL OVA had induced maternal allergic airway inflammation, OS, and initiated airway remodeling in this model. The inappropriate balance of pregnancy hormone levels was indicative of possible poor implantation, placentation, fetal growth impairment, and reduced pregnancy outcome. Micro-CT modalities are preferred to be used as the result is remarkable in comparison with the H&E approach.