Immunomodulatory Effects of Betaine on Experimental Model of Asthma in Balb/c Mice

Background and purpose: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that is associated with excessive irritation and airway obstruction. The aim of the present study was to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of betaine on experimental model of asthma in Balb/c mice. Materials and methods: The statistical population consisted of 32 Balb/c mice that were randomly divided into four groups (n=8 per group). One group (control) was not sensitized with ovalbumin to induce experimental asthma. Experimental asthma was induced in other three groups by injecting ovalbumin. These groups were treated with saline phosphate buffer, betaine (1% w/w), and prednisolone (3 mg/kg) in drinking water, for 81 days after induction of the disease, respectively. Then, blood and spleen samples were collected for biochemical studies. Results: Betaine treatment of ovalbumin-sensitized mice significantly reduced IgE antibody production, spleen cell proliferation, IL-5 and IL-17 levels, and significantly increased TGF-β and INF-γ levels (P<0.05). Conclusion: Betaine as a naturally occurring chemical in the body has significant effects on IgE production and levels of some key cytokines of asthma. So, this substance could be considered as as a possible candidate for modulating immune responses in asthma.