Food allergy and liver/intestines - Effect of suplatast tosilate and Chinese traditional medicines

Background We have been studying the relationship between the liver and food allergy and completed three studies on this subject. We also used three medicines (suplatast tosilate and two Chinese traditional medicines) as treatment. We found inflammatory cells and cytokines in the liver and noted changes in morphology. Our aim here is to analyze the data of these studies to establish a relationship between food allergy and liver and determine the therapeutic effects of the three medicines. Methods: Nc/Jic mice were used, and sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA). The same study design was used for all three studies. Four groups were assigned: Group 1 as control group with no treatment given; Groups 2, 3, and 4 were sensitized and challenged with OVA and treated with physiological saline, and with low and high doses of antiallergy medicine, respectively. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) and immunohistochemical staining were done for light microscopy evaluation. Serum alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST) transaminases were likewise determined. Results: Serum ALT and AST were elevated in the OVA sensitized group. Likewise, on light microscopy, general architecture was altered, inflammatory cell infiltration, focal necrosis, and cytokine expressions were evident. Treatment with three different antiallergy drugs resulted in a decrease in ALT and AST levels, and cytokine expressions. Villous edema. and cytokine expression were also noted in the small intestines. Conclusion: Liver involvement may occur in food allergy, which should be taken into consideration in our patients. Treatment with these medicines may be an option in the management of food allergy.