We previously demonstrated an essential role of Th17 cells in excessive mucous secretion and airway smooth muscle proliferation in a prolonged OVA-challenged C57BL/6 mouse model. However, the impact of Th17 cells in vascular remodeling, another characteristic feature of airway remodeling in asthma, remains elusive. This issue was further investigated in this study. The time-course experiments s...

This study aimed to investigate the role of M3 acetylcholine receptor (M3-AChR) expression in airway remodeling. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the effects of ipratropium bromide solution inhaled in an early phase of asthma on airway remodeling in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized and challenged mice. Thirty BALB/c mice were divided into three groups, namely, control group (saline sensitized/chall...

Chronic allergic asthma leads to airway remodeling and subepithelial fibrosis via mechanisms not fully understood. Airway remodeling is amplified by profibrotic mediators, such as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), which plays a cardinal role in various models of fibrosis. We recently have identified a critical role for c-Jun-NH2-terminal-kinase (JNK) 1 in augmenting the profibrotic effect...

Airway remodeling is a hallmark of bronchial asthma. Our group has previously reported that the thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an airway epithelial-derived cytokine, has a central role in the pathogenesis of airway remodeling, and that toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signaling in epithelial cells may trigger T-helper 2 (Th2) immune responses by overexpression of TSLP. However, it is currently ...

Airway smooth muscle cells (SMC) proliferation contributes to the airways remodeling and irreversible airway obstruction during severe asthma, but the mechanisms of airway SMC proliferation are poorly understood. Intracellular Ca2+ levels play an important role in regulating cell proliferation. We have previously reported KCa3.1 channels regulated human bronchial smooth muscle (HBSM) cells prol...

Background Structural changes of the airway, collectively referred to as airway remodeling are believed to be the underlying cause of the airway hyperresponsiveness that is characteristic of asthma. Airway remodeling is characterized by thickening of the subepithelial membrane, goblet cell hyperplasia, angiogenesis, increased smooth muscle mass, and epithelial fragility. Thickening of the subep...

BACKGROUND Asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, leading to structura1 changes in the airway, collectively termed airway remodeling. Airway remodeling is thought to contribute to airway hyper responsiveness and irreversible airflow limitation. The combination of Herba Epimedii (HE) and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL) decoction and the systemic administration of glucocorticoids (...

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by reversible airway obstruction with persistent airway inflammation and airway remodeling. Features of airway remodeling include increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)-33 has been identified as playing a role in the pathophysiology of asthma. ADAM-33 is expressed in ASM cells and is suggested t...

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the production of allergenspecific IgE antibodies, TH2 inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling. Airway remodeling represents the diseaselimiting stage during disease progression, and the underlying cellular molecular network resulting in airway remodeling are still poorly defined. In addition to the welles...