| Asthma is a disease of the airways characteristed by chronic inflammation and remodeling. The matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) play an important role in the processes of airway remodeling in asthma. No current treatment can reduce or prevent asthma for a prolonged period, including glucocorticosteroid. Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) containing CpG motifs mimic the ability of microbial DNA to activate the innate immune system. Murine models indicate that CpG ODN may be useful as vaccine adjuvants and antiallergens, and in the treatment of infectious diseases, allergy and cancers.Objective: To observe the changes of airway remodeling and the effects of CpG ODN and dexamethasone (DXM) on the expression of MMP-9 in a murine model of chronic asthma. Methods: 28 female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: asthma group, CpG treated group, DXM treated group, and control group. The asthma group, CpG treated group and DXM treated group were sensitized and repeatedly challenged with ovalbumin for 6 weeks respectively. Pathological slides were prepared from left lung and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. WAm (Smooth muscle area), WAmuc (mucous area) and WAi (Outer wall area) of the airway were measured and standardized by Pbm (Basement membrane perimeter) . The areas of collagenâ… andâ…¢in the lung tissue were determined by using a Sirius red-polarizing microscopy morphometry method. Expression of matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) and Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1) were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: WAm/Pbm, WAmuc/Pbm and WAi/Pbm increased... |
