Objectives: 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)) has immune- and inflammation-modulating properties in asthma, but its possible effects on asthmatic airway remodeling remain uncertain. In this study, we investigated the effects of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) on airway remodeling in a murine model of chronic asthma and investigated its role in regulating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation.
Methods: BALB/c mice were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) and subsequently exposed to intranasal OVA challenges for 9 weeks. Some mice also received an intraperitoneal injection of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) at the time of challenge. At the end of the challenge period, mice were evaluated for chronic airway inflammation and airway remodeling. Nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in lung tissue was examined by Western blot. Inhibitor of NF-κB alpha (IκBα) expression was determined by real-time quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. Phosphorylated IκBα protein expression was also determined by Western blot.
Results: 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) treatment reduced OVA-induced chronic inflammation in lung tissue and attenuated established structural changes of the airways, including subepithelial collagen deposition, goblet cell hyperplasia, and increased airway smooth muscle mass. 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) also inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in lung tissue. Concurrently, 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) induced increased IκBα protein levels via inducing increased IκBα mRNA levels and decreased IκBα phosphorylation.
Conclusion: 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) could attenuate asthmatic airway remodeling and its inhibition of NF-κB activation may underlie this protective effect.