Niclosamide ethanolamine induces trachea relaxation and inhibits proliferation and migration of trachea smooth muscle cells

Our previous study found that the anthelmintic drug niclosamide relaxed the constricted arteries and inhibited proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. Here, we investigated the effect of niclosamide ethanolamine (NEN) on trachea function and the proliferation and migration of trachea smooth muscle cells. Isometric tension of trachea was recorded by multi-channel myograph system. The cell proliferation was detected by using BrdU cell proliferation assay. The cell migration ability was evaluated by using scratch assay. The protein level was measured by using western blot technique. Acute treatment with NEN dose-dependently relaxed acetylcholine chloride (Ach)- and High K(+)physiological salt solution (KPSS)-induced constriction of mice trachea. Pre-treatment with NEN inhibited Ach- and KPSS-induced constriction of mice trachea. NEN treatment inhibited proliferation of human bronchial smooth muscle cells (HBSMCs), inhibited migration of HBSMCs and rat primary trachea smooth muscle cells. NEN treatment activated adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity and inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activity in HBSMCs. In conclusion, niclosamide ethanolamine induces trachea relaxation and inhibits proliferation and migration of trachea smooth muscle cells, indicating that niclosamide might be a potential drug for chronic asthma treatment.