Sublingual immunotherapy by Nanogold in mice model of asthma

It has been shown that Nanogold particles have anti-inflammatory effects in different Rheumatologic, neurologic and gastrointestinal disease. They inhibit the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines and also infiltration of inflammatory cells. Sublingual immunotherapy is a well-known effective, safe and clinically effective method way of immune response regulation which results in long-lasting symptoms reduction. This research was designed to find the immunological effects of sublingual immunotherapy using Nanogold in mice model of asthma.

Twenty BALB/c mice were divided into four groups including one group of non-sensitized mice and three groups of asthmatic mice which were treated sublingually with PBS, Nanogold and Beclomethasone. IL-4 and IFN-γ levels were measured in serum and spleen cells supernatant using ELISA. BAL fluid inflammatory cells differential counting and lungs histological analysis were also done.

The results revealed that there was significant increase in level of IFN-γ and decrease in level of IL-4 in serum and spleen cells supernatant of Nanogold treated group (p <0.05). These findings indicates the shift of Th2/Th1 balance towards Th1 cells which is protective against asthma. In addition, histological and BAL fluid analysis demonstrated the reduction of cells and eosinophilic infiltration.

Based on our results, sublingual immunotherapy by Nanogold has significant anti-inflammatory roll in asthmatic mice. Thus, Nanogold is a potentially valuable agent for controlling the underlying inflammation in asthma. However, further investigations is recommended to find more details about its effects.