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Pace E, Cerveri I, Lacedonia D, Paone G, Sanduzzi Zamparelli A, Sorbo R, Allegretti M, Lanata L, Scaglione F. Clinical Efficacy of Carbocysteine in COPD: Beyond the Mucolytic Action. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061261. [PMID: 35745833 PMCID: PMC9227620 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disease with a versatile and complicated profile, being the fourth most common single cause of death worldwide. Several research groups have been trying to identify possible therapeutic approaches to treat COPD, such as the use of mucoactive drugs, which include carbocysteine. However, their role in the treatment of patients suffering from COPD remains controversial due to COPD's multifaceted profile. In the present review, 72 articles, published in peer-reviewed journals with high impact factors, are analyzed in order to provide significant insight and increase the knowledge about COPD considering the important contribution of carbocysteine in reducing exacerbations via multiple mechanisms. Carbocysteine is in fact able to modulate mucins and ciliary functions, and to counteract viral and bacterial infections as well as oxidative stress, offering cytoprotective effects. Furthermore, carbocysteine improves steroid responsiveness and exerts anti-inflammatory activity. This analysis demonstrates that the use of carbocysteine in COPD patients represents a well-tolerated treatment with a favorable safety profile, and might contribute to a better quality of life for patients suffering from this serious illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Pace
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council, Via Ugo la Malfa, 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Isa Cerveri
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapy, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Donato Lacedonia
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Gregorino Paone
- Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Sanduzzi Zamparelli
- UOC Pneumotisiologia, Scuola di Specializzazione in Malattie Respiratorie, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II A.O.R.N. Monaldi-Cotugno-CTO Piazzale Ettore Ruggieri, 80138 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Rossella Sorbo
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, 20122 Milan, Italy; (R.S.); (M.A.); (L.L.)
| | | | - Luigi Lanata
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, 20122 Milan, Italy; (R.S.); (M.A.); (L.L.)
| | - Francesco Scaglione
- Department of Oncology and Onco-Hematology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Cataldi M, Sblendorio V, Leo A, Piazza O. Biofilm-dependent airway infections: a role for ambroxol? Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2013; 28:98-108. [PMID: 24252805 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Biofilms are a key factor in the development of both acute and chronic airway infections. Their relevance is well established in ventilator associated pneumonia, one of the most severe complications in critically ill patients, and in cystic fibrosis, the most common lethal genetic disease in Caucasians. Accumulating evidence suggests that biofilms could have also a role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their involvement in bronchiectasis has been proposed as well. When they grow in biofilms, microorganisms become multidrug-resistant. Therefore the treatment of biofilm-dependent airway infections is problematic. Indeed, it still largely based on measures aiming to prevent the formation of biofilms or remove them once that they are formed. Here we review recent evidence suggesting that the mucokinetic drug ambroxol has specific anti-biofilm properties. We also discuss how additional pharmacological properties of this drug could be beneficial in biofilm-dependent airway infections. Specifically, we review the evidence showing that: 1-ambroxol exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting at multiple levels the activity of neutrophils, and 2-it improves mucociliary clearance by interfering with the activity of airway epithelium ion channels and transporters including sodium/bicarbonate and sodium/potassium/chloride cotransporters, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and aquaporins. As a whole, the data that we review here suggest that ambroxol could be helpful in biofilm-dependent airway infections. However, considering the limited clinical evidence available up to date, further clinical studies are required to support the use of ambroxol in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cataldi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - V Sblendorio
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - A Leo
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, University Campus "Salvatore Venuta", Viale Europa, I-88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - O Piazza
- University of Salerno, Via Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
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Ishibashi Y, Inouye Y, Taniguchi A. Expression and Role of Sugar Chains on Airway Mucus in Induction and Exacerbation of Airway Inflammation. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2012; 132:699-704. [DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.132.699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Ishibashi
- Discovery Research Laboratories, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Toho University
- Biomaterials Unit, International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
| | | | - Akiyoshi Taniguchi
- Biomaterials Unit, International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
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Paleari D, Rossi GA, Nicolini G, Olivieri D. Ambroxol: a multifaceted molecule with additional therapeutic potentials in respiratory disorders of childhood. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2011; 6:1203-14. [PMID: 22646987 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2011.629646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mucoactive drugs are currently used to cleanse the respiratory tract following disturbance of the normal mucociliary clearance due to mucous hyperproduction and/or modification of its physicochemical characteristics. However, in addition to possessing the ability to perform specific actions on airway secretion, these compounds have the capability to modulate the mechanisms involved in abnormal secretions. Indeed, over the years, in the postmarketing phase, a large number of studies have been published showing interesting pharmacological activities in addition to their secretagogue activity. AREAS COVERED This article collates available data on ambroxol (2-amino-3,5-dibromo-N-[trans-4-hydroxycyclohexyl]benzylamine), a metabolite of bromhexine, used as a secretagogue in the treatment of childhood airway diseases. This article goes beyond the mucoactive aspects of the drug covering its multiple pharmacological properties. EXPERT OPINION The non-mucoactive functions exhibited by the compound may provide beneficial effects on airway structure and function in health and disease. Beyond the mucokinetic and secretagogue effects, ambroxol showed great antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, local anesthetic and surfactant synthesis stimulatory activities. Moreover, some antiviral and antibacterial activities were shown. These findings may better explain the clinical results observed in a variety of airway disorders and suggest additional therapeutic potential. Further studies are needed to better define the clinical relevance of these non-mucolytic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Paleari
- Medical Department , Chiesi Farmaceutici , Parma , Italy
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Sumitomo T, Nakata M, Yamaguchi M, Terao Y, Kawabata S. S-carboxymethylcysteine inhibits adherence of Streptococcus pneumoniae to human alveolar epithelial cells. J Med Microbiol 2011; 61:101-108. [PMID: 21890513 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.033688-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major pathogen of respiratory infections that utilizes platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) for firm adherence to host cells. The mucolytic agent S-carboxymethylcysteine (S-CMC) has been shown to exert inhibitory effects against infection by several respiratory pathogens including S. pneumoniae in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, clinical studies have implicated the benefits of S-CMC in preventing exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is considered to be related to respiratory infections. In this study, to assess whether the potency of S-CMC is attributable to inhibition of pneumococcal adherence to host cells, an alveolar epithelial cell line stimulated with interleukin-1α was used as a model of inflamed epithelial cells. Despite upregulation of PAFR by inflammatory activation, treatment with S-CMC efficiently inhibited pneumococcal adherence to host epithelial cells. In order to gain insight into the inhibitory mechanism, the effects of S-CMC on PAFR expression were also investigated. Following treatment with S-CMC, PAFR expression was reduced at both mRNA and post-transcriptional levels. Interestingly, S-CMC was also effective in inhibiting pneumococcal adherence to cells transfected with PAFR small interfering RNAs. These results indicate S-CMC as a probable inhibitor targeting numerous epithelial receptors that interact with S. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Sumitomo
- Department of Oral and Molecular Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masanobu Nakata
- Department of Oral and Molecular Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaya Yamaguchi
- Department of Cell Membrane Biology, Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yutaka Terao
- Department of Oral and Molecular Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shigetada Kawabata
- Department of Oral and Molecular Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan
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Hafez MM, Aboulwafa MM, Yassien MA, Hassouna NA. Activity of some Mucolytics Against Bacterial Adherence to Mammalian Cells. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2008; 158:97-112. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-008-8312-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2008] [Accepted: 07/01/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Variation in the attachment of Streptococcus pneumoniae to human pharyngeal epithelial cells after treatment with S-carboxymethylcysteine. J Infect Chemother 2008; 14:333-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s10156-008-0626-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2008] [Accepted: 05/22/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Ishibashi Y, Taniguchi A. Expression and Role of Sugar Chains on Airway Mucins, Especially in Induction and Exacerbation of Airway Inflammation. Inflamm Regen 2007. [DOI: 10.2492/inflammregen.27.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Boonyapiwat B, Panagopoulos P, Jones H, Mitchell SC, Forbes B, Steventon GB. PHENYLALANINE 4-MONOOXYGENASE AND THE S-OXIDATION OF S-CARBOXYMETHYL-L-CYSTEINE IN HepG2 CELLS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 21:1-18. [PMID: 16086552 DOI: 10.1515/dmdi.2005.21.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The role of phenylalanine 4-monooxygenase (PAH) in the S-oxidation of S-carboxymethyl-L-cysteine (SCMC) in the rat has now been well established in rat cytosolic fractions in vitro. However, the role of PAH in the S-oxidation of SCMC in human cytosolic fractions or hepatocytes has yet to be investigated. The aim of this investigation was to analyse the kinetic parameters of PAH oxidation of both L-phenylalanine (Phe) and SCMC in the human HepG2 cell line in order to investigate the use of these cells as a model for the cellular regulation of SCMC S-oxidation. The experimentally determined Km and V(max) were 7.14 +/- 0.32 mM and 0.85 +/- 0.32 nmole Tyr formed min(-1) x mg protein(-1) using Phe as substrate. For SCMC the values were 25.24 +/- 5.91 mM and 0.79 +/- 0.09 nmole SCMC (RIS) S-oxides formed min(-1) x mg protein(-1). The experimentally determined Km and V(max) for the cofactor BH4 were 6.81 +/- 0.21 microM and 0.41 +/- 0.004 nmole Tyr formed min(-1) x mg protein(-1) for Phe and 7.24 +/- 0.19 microM and 0.42 +/- 0.002 nmole SCMC (R/S) S-oxides formed min(-1) x mg protein(-1) for SCMC. The use of various PAH inhibitors confirmed that HepG2 cells contained PAH and that the enzyme was capable of converting SCMC to its (R) and (S) S-oxide metabolites in an in vitro PAH assay. Thus HepG2 cells have become a useful additional tool for the investigation of the cellular regulation of PAH in the S-oxidation of SCMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boontarika Boonyapiwat
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, School of Health and Life Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
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Ishibashi Y, Kobayashi F, Idesawa A, Taniguchi A, Matsuzawa S. Effects of carbocisteine on altered activities of glycosidase and glycosyltransferase and expression of Muc5ac in SO2-exposed rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2004; 487:7-15. [PMID: 15033371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2003.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2003] [Revised: 12/11/2003] [Accepted: 12/19/2003] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Carbocisteine is a mucoregulatory drug regulating fucose and sialic acid contents in mucus glycoprotein. To investigate the mechanism of carbocisteine action, we evaluated the effects of carbocisteine on the activity of fucosidase, sialidase, fucosyltransferase and sialyltransferase, and on the expression of Muc5ac mRNA in the airway epithelium of SO(2)-exposed rats. Wistar rats were repeatedly exposed to a 300-ppm SO(2) gas for 44 days. Carbocisteine (125 and 250 mg/kg x2/day) was administered for 25 days after 20 days of SO(2) gas exposure. These enzyme activities were measured by fluorogenic substrate or glycoproteinic exogenous acceptor method. The expression levels of Muc5ac mRNA and protein were determined with real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Carbocisteine (250 mg/kg x2/day) inhibited all the changes in these enzyme activities and the expressions of Muc5ac mRNA and protein in the lung after repeated SO(2) exposure. These findings suggest that carbocisteine may normalize fucose and sialic acid contents in mucin glycoprotein through regulation of these enzyme activities, and inhibition of both Muc5ac mRNA and protein expressions in SO(2)-exposed rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Ishibashi
- Research Center, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 329-0114 Tochigi, Japan.
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Cakan G, Turkoz M, Turan T, Ahmed K, Nagatake T. S-carboxymethylcysteine inhibits the attachment of Streptococcus pneumoniae to human pharyngeal epithelial cells. Microb Pathog 2003; 34:261-5. [PMID: 12782478 DOI: 10.1016/s0882-4010(03)00048-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae causes respiratory and other invasive infections. Increased resistance of this bacterium to antibiotics necessitates new approaches to the treatment of infections. Attachment of bacteria to human pharyngeal epithelial cells is the initial step in the pathogenesis of infection and S-carboxymethylcysteine (S-CMC) can modulate the attachment of Moraxella catarrhalis and nontypable Haemophilus influenzae to epithelial cells. Unlike these two, S. pneumoniae is gram-positive and has a well-defined capsule. Here we examined the effects of S-CMC on the attachment and detachment of S. pneumoniae to human pharyngeal epithelial cells in vitro. Treatment of these cells with S-CMC significantly reduced the number of attached S. pneumoniae. S-CMC also resulted in a significant increase in the detachment of already attached S. pneumoniae to epithelial cells. In addition, treatment of S. pneumoniae with S-CMC significantly reduced their ability to attach to epithelial cells, but not the number of viable bacteria. Our study shows that S-CMC modulates the attachment of S. pneumoniae to human pharyngeal epithelial cells by acting both on cells and bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulcin Cakan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara 06533, Turkey
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