Effect of CpG ODN on the expression of MMP-9 in murine model of chronic asthma

Objective To study the effects of CpG oligodeoxynuleotides(ODN) on airway remodeling and expression of matrix metalloprotease-9(MMP9) in a murine model of chronic asthma.Methods BALB/c mice were sensitized and repeatedly challenged with ovalbumin.Pathological slides prepared were stained with hematoxylin-eosin.The thickness of airway wall was measured.The expressions of MMP-9 were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results(1)The thickness of airway wall of CpG ODN and dexamethasone(DXM) treatment groups was higher than control group(P(0.05)),while lower than asthma group(P0.05).But it had not statistically significant difference between CpG ODN group and DXM treatment group(P0.05).(2)The expressions of MMP-9 in the CpG ODN and DXM treatment groups were higher than in control group(P0.05),while lower than in asthma group(P0.05).It had not significant difference between CpG ODN group and DXM treatment group(P0.05).Conclusion Airway remodeling can occur in the chronic asthma mice.Early intervention with steroid or CpG ODN may partially inhibit the expressions of MMP-9 in the lungs of chronic asthma mice,and airway remodelings are abated.