Prophylactic and therapeutic potential of magnolol-loaded PLGA-PEG nanoparticles in a chronic murine model of allergic asthma
Junyi Wang, Mo Xian, Hui Cao, Lei Wu, Libo Zhou, Yihe Ma, Long Fan, Lin Lin, Guoping Li, Qinmiao Huang, Shau‐Ku Huang, Xiaojun Xiao
Abstract
Magnolol is a chemically defined and active polyphenol extracted from magnolia plants possessing anti-allergic activity, but its low solubility and rapid metabolism dramatically hinder its clinical application. To improve the therapeutic effects, magnolol-encapsulated polymeric poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide)–poly (ethylene glycol) (PLGA-PEG) nanoparticles were constructed and characterized. The prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy in a chronic murine model of OVA-induced asthma and the mechanisms were investigated. The results showed that administration of magnolol-loaded PLGA-PEG nanoparticles significantly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, lung tissue eosinophil infiltration, and levels of IL-4, IL-13, TGF-β 1 , IL-17A, and allergen-specific IgE and IgG 1 in OVA-exposed mice compared to their empty nanoparticles-treated mouse counterparts. Magnolol-loaded PLGA-PEG nanoparticles also significantly prevented mouse chronic allergic airway mucus overproduction and collagen deposition. Moreover, magnolol-encapsulated PLGA-PEG nanoparticles showed better therapeutic effects on suppressing allergen-induced airway hyperactivity, airway eosinophilic inflammation, airway collagen deposition, and airway mucus hypersecretion, as compared with magnolol-encapsulated poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles or magnolol alone. These data demonstrate the protective effect of magnolol-loaded PLGA-PEG nanoparticles against the development of allergic phenotypes, implicating its potential usefulness for the asthma treatment.