Withaferin A Effects on House Dust Mite Allergen-Induced Airway Inflammation (2023)

Undergraduate: Kevin Agner

Faculty Advisor: Jennifer Ingram
Department: Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Nutrition Science, UNC-CH

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This study explored the therapeutic potential of Withaferin A (WFA) in treating airway inflammation, a common feature of respiratory illnesses like asthma. WFA, a natural compound extracted from the Ashwagandha plant, possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. The study used a murine model of allergic asthma induced by Inhaled house dust mite (HDM) extract and investigated the effects of WFA or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) administered intraperitoneally. Results showed that WFA reduced airway inflammation, as evidenced by similar histological staining patterns of eosinophils and neutrophils in the HDM/WFA and control groups. Additionally, WFA-treated groups had lower lung production of IL-33, indicating anti-inflammatory effects. However, no effect of WFA on Mmp2 or Mmp9 gene expression levels was observed, suggesting the need for further investigation of specific airway cell types. These findings suggest that WFA may have therapeutic potential for allergen-induced airway inflammation and may benefit metabolic function. Further studies are necessary to determine the optimal dosage and possible side effects of WFA treatment.

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