Effect of curcumine on connective tissue growth factor expression and airway remodeling in asthmatic rats

Objective To observe the effect of curcumine on connective tissue growth factor(CTGF) expression and collagen deposition in asthmatic rats. Methods 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control(group A), model group(group B) and curcumine treatment group(group C), 12 rats in each group. Rats were sensitized and challenged continually with ovalbumin for the purpose of induction of asthma. To observe asthmatic attack and collagen deposition in asthmatic rats,CTGF expression in rat pulmonary tissues was detected by SABC immunohistochemistry. Results Asthmatic attack was obvious in group B,gentle in group C, absent in group A. In group B, the bronchus submucosa,the afferent wall and surroundings, alveollar wall and the lung interstition all had a great deal of collagen deposition,group C was lighter, group A most lightly. Lung tissue expression of CTGF in group B was significantly higher than that in group A. The expression of CTGF in group C was significantly higher than that in group A but lower than that in group B. Conclusion The effect of curcumine on airway remodeling in asthmatic rats may be correlated with its inhibition on over expression of CTGF in lung tissue.