High and low temperatures aggravate airway inflammation of asthma: Evidence in a mouse model

Epidemiology suggests ambient temperature is the triggers and potential activator of asthma. The role of high and low temperatures on airway inflammation of asthma, and the underlying molecular mechanism are not yet understood. A mouse model of asthma was adopted in our experiment. The BALB/c mice were exposed at different temperature for 4 h (2 h in the morning and 2 h in the afternoon) on weekday. The exposure temperatures were 10 °C, 24 °C and 40 °C. Ovalbumin (OVA) was used to sensitize the mice on days 14, 18, 22, 26, and 30, followed by an aerosol challenge for 30 min from day 32–38. After the final OVA challenge, lung function, serum protein and pulmonary inflammation were assessed. Comparing the OVA with the saline group at 24 °C, we saw a significant increase in: serum Total-IgE (p < 0.05); OVA-sIgE (p < 0.01); IL-4 (p < 0.05); IL-1β (p < 0.01); IL-6 (p < 0.01); TNF-α (p < 0.01); and the ratio of IL-4/IFN-γ (p < 0.01). At the same time, there was a significant decrease in IFN-γ (p < 0.01). As the temperature increase, there is a U shape for immune proteins and pro-inflammatory factors with a peak value at 24 °C, exception for IFN-γ (inverted U-shape). After the high and low temperature exposure, the Ri and Re increased significantly, while Cldyn decreased significantly compared with the 24 °C group. Histopathological analysis of the OVA groups showed airway remodeling, airway wall thickening and deforming, and subepithelial fibrosis. More obvious changes were found in the high and low temperature exposure groups. The immunohistochemistry suggested that TRPs changed with temperatures. High and low temperatures can aggravate airway inflammation in a mouse model of asthma. TRPs play an important role in temperature aggravation of allergic asthma. The results suggest that asthmatics should avoid exposure to high and low temperatures for too long time.