Evaluation of activity of Momordica charantia L. on oxidative stress in an animal model of asthmaodelo animal de asma

• Grant number: 16/20892-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2017
• End date: December 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Fabio Carmona
• Grantee: Clara Do Prado Lopes Frota
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways, responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as corticosteroids, are some of the most important treatment options; however, they can cause undesirable side effects. Historically, plants have been a major source of molecules with biological activity. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of Momordica charantia L. ("bitter melon", Cucurbitaceae), a plant species with anti-inflammatory properties, on asthma treatment in an animal model. Methods: Male Balb/c mice, 5 to 6 weeks-old, will be sensitized twice with ovalbumin (OVA) intraperitoneally (ip), one week apart, and challenged daily with OVA intranasally for three days. Mice will be then treated daily with M. charantia aqueous (MCA) or hydroethanolic (MCHA) extract (500 mg/kg) ip for three days, during challenges. Control mice will receive normal saline (SAL) in the same days. Five to eight mice will be used per group. Twenty-four hours after the last challenge, mice will be ventilated with a small-animal ventilator (FlexiVent®), and in vivo measurements of bronchial hyperresponsiveness will be performed with increasing concentrations of methacholine aerosol (6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/mL). After ventilation, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and blood will be collected for analysis of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) Expected Results: We hypothesize that treatment with M. charantia extracts attenuates bronchial hyperresponsiveness and increases TAC. (AU)