Altered gene expression levels of IL-17/TRAF6/MAPK/USP25 axis and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in lung tissue of obese ovalbumin-sensitized rats

Aims: The association between asthma and obesity has been shown but its accurate mechanism is unknown. In the current study, we sought to investigate the gene expression levels of IL-17/TRAF6/MAPK/USP25 axis and pro-inflammatory cytokine level (IL-6, IL-1 beta, and TNF-alpha) in obese Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized female and male Wistar rats lung tissue. Main methods: Animals in both males and females were divided into eight groups (four groups in each sex) based on diet and OVA-sensitization: normal diet, a normal diet with OVA-sensitization, high-fat diet (HFD), and OVA-sensitization with an HFD. Key findings: In both sexes, obese OVA-sensitized rats, the methacholine concentration-response curve shifted to the left and EC50 methacholine decreased. Increased pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as elevated IL-17/TRAF6/MAPK axis genes and decreased USP25 gene expression were identified in obese OVA-sensitized groups. Significance: The results indicate that in obese OVA-sensitized rats, the IL-17 axis were involved in the pathogenesis of the disease and can be considered as a therapeutic target in subjects with obesity-related asthma.

Automated summary

This study investigates the gene expression levels and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the lung tissue of obese Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized rats, and suggests that the IL-17 axis may play a role in the pathogenesis of obesity-related asthma.