CTRP3 regulates NF-κB and TGFβ1/Smad3 pathways to alleviate airway inflammation and remodeling in asthmatic mice induced by OVA

Background: Asthma is a common illness with chronic airway inflammation. C1q/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related protein 3 (CTRP3) plays a vital role ininflammatory response, but its effect on asthma is imprecise. Herein, we analyzed the functions of CTRP3 in asthma.

Methods: The BALB/c mice were randomized into four groups: control, ovalbumin (OVA), OVA+vector, and OVA+CTRP3. The asthmatic mice model was established by OVA stimulation. Overexpression of CTRP3 was implemented by the transfection of corresponding adeno-associated virus 6 (AAV6). The contents of CTRP3, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, smooth muscle alpha-actin (α-SMA), phosphorylated (p)-p65/p65, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFβ1), and p-Smad3/Smad3 were determined by Western blot analysis. The quantity of total cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was assessed by using a hemocytometer. The contents of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β in BALF were examined by enzyme-linked immunesorbent serologic assay. The lung function indicators and airway resistance (AWR) were measured. The bronchial and alveolar structures were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining and sirius red staining.

Results: The CTRP3 was downregulated in mice of OVA groups; however, AAV6-CTRP3 treatment markedly upregulated the expression of CTRP3. Upregulation of CTRP3 diminished asthmatic airway inflammation by decreasing the number of inflammatory cells and the contents of proinflammatory factors. CTRP3 markedly lessened AWR and improved lung function in OVA-stimulated mice. Histological analysis found that CTRP3 alleviated OVA-induced airway remodeling in mice. Moreover, CTRP3 modulated NF-κB and TGFβ1/Smad3 pathways in OVA-stimulated mice.

Conclusion: CTRP3 alleviated airway inflammation and remodeling in OVA-induced asthmatic mice via regulating NF-κB and TGFβ1/Smad3 pathways.