Effect of 1, 25-Dihydroxy Vitamin D3 on the Expression of Interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-21 in Asthma Mice Model

Objective: To explore the effect of 1, 25-dihydroxy vitamin D₃ (1, 25(OH)₂D₃) on the expression of interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-21 in asthma by establishing an asthma mice model.

Methods: Forty female Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal control group (group A, n=10), asthma group (group B, n=10), 1, 25(OH)₂D₃intervention group (group C, n=10) and dexamethasone treatment group (group D, n=10). Asthma mice model was established and subsequently treated with different intervention. The airway lesions in mice were observed and the serum IL-17, IL-21 and IgE levels were determined using the ELISA method. Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of IL-17 and IL-21 in lung tissues.

Results:Serum IL-17 and IgE levels in groups B, C and D were remarkably higher than those in group A, especially in group B (F=31.276, 18.677, Ρ < 0.01). However, serum IL-21 level in group A was the highest, significantly higher than the other three groups (F=22.406, Ρ < 0.01). Immunohistochemical test revealed that the expression of IL-17 in group B was significantly higher than that in groups A, C and D, while IL-21 was strongly expressed in groups A and D but weakly expressed in group B.

Conclusion: In the pathogenesis of asthma, 1, 25(OH)₂D₃ intervention can reduce the expression of IL-17 but elevate the expression of IL-21, suggesting it has a certain effect on asthma.