• Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Bevacizumab in Rat Model of Asthma
  • Erfan Mohammadi Sepahvand,1,* Negar Goudarzi,2 Ali Allahgholipour,3 Hossein Goudarzi,4
    1. Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran
    2. Department of Pharmacology, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran
    3. Department of Pharmacology, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran
    4. Department of Avian diseases, Razi vaccine and serum research institute, Karaj, Iran


  • Introduction: Asthma, a highly prevalent condition, involves factors such as inflammation, airflow obstruction, elevated bronchial blood pressure, and external conditions. The clinical symptoms predominantly revolve around smooth muscle contraction and inflammation, leading to airway constriction and obstruction. A variety of stimuli, including respiratory infections, allergic reactions, irritants, exercise, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, contribute to bronchial blockage. Bevacizumab, a humanized anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody recognized for its role in inhibiting angiogenesis, finds application in the treatment of various malignancies.
  • Methods: A study involving twenty-one male Wistar rats distributed across three randomized groups – control, ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized, and OVA+Bmab – was conducted. OVA and OVA+Bmab groups underwent sensitization to ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide on days 1, 5, and 10, followed by a 14-day challenge with atomized OVA (inhalation). The OVA+Bmab group received Bevacizumab post-OVA sensitization for two weeks. Finally, in day 47 all of the rat groups were sacrificed. The study evaluated gene and protein expression of type 2 T-helper cell-like cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), goblet cell population, inflammatory cell population, VEGF, and allergen-specific IgE in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF).
  • Results: Bevacizumab effectively mitigated bronchial inflammation by reducing type 2 T-helper cell-like cytokines (p≤0.05). Additionally, the OVA-specific-IgE level significantly decreased in the OVA+Bmab group. Furthermore, the OVA+Bmab group exhibited significantly reduced numbers of macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes compared to the OVA group (p≤0.05).
  • Conclusion: The study underscores the significance of VEGF in generating inflammatory mediators within lung airways during asthma. Addressing VEGF via anti-VEGF agents like Bevacizumab holds promise as a therapeutic avenue for enhancing asthma management.
  • Keywords: Bevacizumab, bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF), asthma, inflammation