Effects of Luteolin on the Expression of Transcription Factor GATA-3 in Asthmatic Mice

Objective: To observe the effects of luteolin on the expression of transcription factor GATA-3 in asthmatic mice.Methods: Thirty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups: the normal group,the group of asthma airway remodeling and the group of luteolin intervention.All the mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin to establish the asthmatic model.The air-way inflammation and the alteration of airway structure were observed by the means of hematoxylin and eosin staining.The expression of GATA-3 in lung was detected by Western blot and Real time PCR.Results: The incrassation of submucosa and smooth muscle,airway stenosis and mass inflammatory cells infiltration were identified more significantly in the asthmatic group than in the control group.In therapeutic group,the above-mentioned symptoms were lighter in luteolin intervention group than in the asthmatic group.Western blot showed that the expression of GATA-3 in pneumonic tissues of asthmatic mice was higher than that of controls(P0.01),and it decreased after treatment with luteolin(P 0.01).The result of Real time PCR showed the same as Western blot.Conclusions: Luteolin can inhibit the expression of GATA-3 in asthma.The treatment of asthma with luteolin may relieve airway inflammation by down regulating the ex-pression of GATA-3.