Effects of CB2 Receptor Inverse Agonist on Airway Remodeling and Th1/Th2 Imbalance in Bronchial Asthma Rats via TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Abstract

Background: Bronchial asthma (BA) involves immune imbalance and airway remodeling (AR), with CB2 receptors playing a role in inflammation regulation. This study explores the therapeutic potential of a CB2 receptor inverse agonist in BA rats and its mechanisms via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Methods: Twenty-seven rats were divided into control (CG), model (MG), and intervention (IG) groups. BA models were induced in MG and IG via ovalbumin sensitization. IG received a CB2 receptor inverse agonist, while CG and MG received saline. Th1/Th2 cytokines, Th1/Th2 cell subpopulations, AR parameters, and TLR4/NF-κB expression in lung tissue were analyzed.

Results: Compared to CG, MG showed Th1/Th2 imbalance, increased AR indices, upregulated TLR4/NF-κB expression, shorter asthma latency, and prolonged total asthma attack duration (tAAD). IG exhibited restored Th1/Th2 balance, decreased TLR4/NF-κB expression, prolonged asthma latency, and reduced tAAD (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: CB2 receptor inverse agonist shows potential for BA prevention and treatment by regulating Th1/Th2 balance, inhibiting AR, and modulating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.