Effects of mainstream smoke of cigarette containing Dendranthema indicum extract on respiratory tract
In order to study the effects of Dendranthema Indicum extract (MSDIE) in cigarette on the inhibition indexes relative to inflammation and antioxidative action of respiratory tract, mice were exposed to the mainstream smoke of cigarette containing MSDIE by the aid of an animal smoking machine. The levels of interleukins, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood serum were measured with radioimmunoassay. The contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in BALF and blood serum were determined by spectrophotometry. The results showed that, compared to the control group, the proportion of moisture-free lung weight, the levels of white blood cells and neutrophils, the IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 in blood and BALF significantly reduced in experimental group; in the meantime, the levels of SOD and GSH-PX increased, and MDA decreased. The differences were of statistical significance. Dendranthema Indicum extract effectively reduced the pulmonary inflammation and oxidative damage induced by cigarette smoke.