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Santus P, Signorello JC, Danzo F, Lazzaroni G, Saad M, Radovanovic D. Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Properties of N-Acetylcysteine: A Fresh Perspective. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4127. [PMID: 39064168 PMCID: PMC11278452 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13144127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) was initially introduced as a treatment for mucus reduction and widely used for chronic respiratory conditions associated with mucus overproduction. However, the mechanism of action for NAC extends beyond its mucolytic activity and is complex and multifaceted. Contrary to other mucoactive drugs, NAC has been found to exhibit antioxidant, anti-infective, and anti-inflammatory activity in pre-clinical and clinical reports. These properties have sparked interest in its potential for treating chronic lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis (BE), cystic fibrosis (CF), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which are associated with oxidative stress, increased levels of glutathione and inflammation. NAC's anti-inflammatory activity is noteworthy, and it is not solely secondary to its antioxidant capabilities. In ex vivo models of COPD exacerbation, the anti-inflammatory effects have been observed even at very low doses, especially with prolonged treatment. The mechanism involves the inhibition of the activation of NF-kB and neurokinin A production, resulting in a reduction in interleukin-6 production, a cytokine abundantly present in the sputum and breath condensate of patients with COPD and correlates with the number of exacerbations. The unique combination of mucolytic, antioxidant, anti-infective, and anti-inflammatory properties positions NAC as a safe, cost-effective, and efficacious therapy for a plethora of respiratory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierachille Santus
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, “L. Sacco” University Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy; (J.C.S.); (F.D.); (G.L.); (D.R.)
| | - Juan Camilo Signorello
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, “L. Sacco” University Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy; (J.C.S.); (F.D.); (G.L.); (D.R.)
| | - Fiammetta Danzo
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, “L. Sacco” University Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy; (J.C.S.); (F.D.); (G.L.); (D.R.)
| | - Giada Lazzaroni
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, “L. Sacco” University Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy; (J.C.S.); (F.D.); (G.L.); (D.R.)
| | - Marina Saad
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy;
| | - Dejan Radovanovic
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, “L. Sacco” University Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy; (J.C.S.); (F.D.); (G.L.); (D.R.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy;
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2
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Calzetta L, Page C, Matera MG, Cazzola M, Rogliani P. Use of human airway smooth muscle in vitro and ex vivo to investigate drugs for the treatment of chronic obstructive respiratory disorders. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:610-639. [PMID: 37859567 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Isolated airway smooth muscle has been extensively investigated since 1840 to understand the pharmacology of airway diseases. There has often been poor predictability from murine experiments to drugs evaluated in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the use of isolated human airways represents a sensible strategy to optimise the development of innovative molecules for the treatment of respiratory diseases. This review aims to provide updated evidence on the current uses of isolated human airways in validated in vitro methods to investigate drugs in development for the treatment of chronic obstructive respiratory disorders. This review also provides historical notes on the pioneering pharmacological research on isolated human airway tissues, the key differences between human and animal airways, as well as the pivotal differences between human medium bronchi and small airways. Experiments carried out with isolated human bronchial tissues in vitro and ex vivo replicate many of the main anatomical, pathophysiological, mechanical and immunological characteristics of patients with asthma or COPD. In vitro models of asthma and COPD using isolated human airways can provide information that is directly translatable into humans with obstructive lung diseases. Regardless of the technique used to investigate drugs for the treatment of chronic obstructive respiratory disorders (i.e., isolated organ bath systems, videomicroscopy and wire myography), the most limiting factors to produce high-quality and repeatable data remain closely tied to the manual skills of the researcher conducting experiments and the availability of suitable tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigino Calzetta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Clive Page
- Pulmonary Pharmacology Unit, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Maria Gabriella Matera
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Cazzola
- Unit of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Rogliani
- Unit of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
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3
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Janetzki JL, Sykes MJ, Ward MB, Pratt NL. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Adverse Event Signals Associated with Potential Inhibitors of Glutathione Peroxidase 1: A Sequence Symmetry Analysis. Drug Saf 2024; 47:59-70. [PMID: 37995048 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-023-01374-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Prior molecular modelling analysis identified several medicines as potential inhibitors of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) which may contribute to development or progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study investigates 40 medicines (index medicines) for signals of COPD development or progression in a real-world dataset. METHODS Sequence symmetry analysis (SSA) was conducted using a 10% extract of Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) claims data between January 2013 and September 2019. Patients must have been initiated on an index medicine and a medicine for COPD development or progression within 12 months of each other. Sequence ratios were calculated as the number of patients who initiated an index medicine followed by a medicine for COPD development or progression divided by the number who initiated the index medicine second. An adjusted sequence ratio (aSR) was calculated which accounted for changes in prescribing trends. Adverse drug event signals (ADEs) were identified where the aSR lower 95% confidence interval (CI) was greater than 1. RESULTS Twenty-one of 40 (53%) index medicines had at least one ADE signal of COPD development or progression. Signals of COPD development, as identified using initiation of tiotropium, were observed for atenolol (aSR 1.32, 95% CI 1.23-1.42) and naproxen (aSR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06-1.23). Several signals of COPD progression were observed, including initiation of fluticasone propionate/salmeterol following initiation of atenolol (aSR 1.44, 95% CI 1.30-1.60) and initiation of aclidinium/formoterol following initiation of naproxen (aSR 2.21, 95% CI 1.34-3.65). CONCLUSION ADE signals were generated for several potential GPx1 inhibitors; however, further validation of signals is required in large well-controlled observational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack L Janetzki
- UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.
| | - Matthew J Sykes
- UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Michael B Ward
- UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Nicole L Pratt
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
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Mokra D, Mokry J, Barosova R, Hanusrichterova J. Advances in the Use of N-Acetylcysteine in Chronic Respiratory Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1713. [PMID: 37760016 PMCID: PMC10526097 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12091713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is widely used because of its mucolytic effects, taking part in the therapeutic protocols of cystic fibrosis. NAC is also administered as an antidote in acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdosing. Thanks to its wide antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, NAC may also be of benefit in other chronic inflammatory and fibrotizing respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, idiopathic lung fibrosis, or lung silicosis. In addition, NAC exerts low toxicity and rare adverse effects even in combination with other treatments, and it is cheap and easily accessible. This article brings a review of information on the mechanisms of inflammation and oxidative stress in selected chronic respiratory diseases and discusses the use of NAC in these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Mokra
- Department of Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, SK-03601 Martin, Slovakia; (R.B.); (J.H.)
| | - Juraj Mokry
- Department of Pharmacology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, SK-03601 Martin, Slovakia;
| | - Romana Barosova
- Department of Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, SK-03601 Martin, Slovakia; (R.B.); (J.H.)
| | - Juliana Hanusrichterova
- Department of Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, SK-03601 Martin, Slovakia; (R.B.); (J.H.)
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Doña E, Reinoso-Arija R, Carrasco-Hernandez L, Doménech A, Dorado A, Lopez-Campos JL. Exploring Current Concepts and Challenges in the Identification and Management of Early-Stage COPD. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5293. [PMID: 37629335 PMCID: PMC10455125 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The need to improve health outcomes, as well as disease prognosis, has led clinicians and researchers to propose new ways of identifying COPD in its earliest forms. This initiative is based on the hypothesis that an earlier intervention would have a greater prognostic impact. However, the operational definition of a patient in the initial stages of the disease is complex, and there is still no unanimously accepted definition. GOLD has recently proposed different concepts to identify COPD in its early stages, such as COPD in young people or COPD with mild functional impairment. In addition, GOLD proposes two other concepts, called pre-COPD (symptomatic non-obstructive patients) and PRISm (preserved ratio with impaired spirometry), which aim to identify the patient at risk of developing this chronic airflow obstruction. However, despite the attractiveness of these concepts, none have been taken up universally by the medical community. A universally accepted identification of how to define COPD in its early stages is necessary as a preliminary step in order to design clinical trials to find out the best way to treat these patients. This review deals with these concepts of COPD at the onset of the disease, highlighting their importance and the problems involved in identifying them as therapeutic targets in real clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Doña
- Unidad Médico-Quirúrgico de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (E.D.); (A.D.); (A.D.)
| | - Rocío Reinoso-Arija
- Unidad Médico-Quirúrgica de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, CSIC, Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; (R.R.-A.); (L.C.-H.)
| | - Laura Carrasco-Hernandez
- Unidad Médico-Quirúrgica de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, CSIC, Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; (R.R.-A.); (L.C.-H.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Adolfo Doménech
- Unidad Médico-Quirúrgico de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (E.D.); (A.D.); (A.D.)
| | - Antonio Dorado
- Unidad Médico-Quirúrgico de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (E.D.); (A.D.); (A.D.)
| | - José Luis Lopez-Campos
- Unidad Médico-Quirúrgica de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, CSIC, Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; (R.R.-A.); (L.C.-H.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Cazzola M, Page CP, Wedzicha JA, Celli BR, Anzueto A, Matera MG. Use of thiols and implications for the use of inhaled corticosteroids in the presence of oxidative stress in COPD. Respir Res 2023; 24:194. [PMID: 37517999 PMCID: PMC10388561 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02500-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress and persistent airway inflammation are thought to be important contributors to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This review summarizes the evidence for targeting oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with COPD with mucolytic/antioxidant thiols and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), either alone or in combination. MAIN BODY Oxidative stress is increased in COPD, particularly during acute exacerbations. It can be triggered by oxidant air pollutants and cigarette smoke and/or by endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) released from mitochondria and activated inflammatory, immune and epithelial cells in the airways, together with a reduction in endogenous antioxidants such as glutathione (GSH). Oxidative stress also drives chronic inflammation and disease progression in the airways by activating intracellular signalling pathways and the release of further inflammatory mediators. ICS are anti-inflammatory agents currently recommended for use with long-acting bronchodilators to prevent exacerbations in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD, especially those with eosinophilic airway inflammation. However, corticosteroids can also increase oxidative stress, which may in turn reduce corticosteroid sensitivity in patients by several mechanisms. Thiol-based agents such as erdosteine, N-acetyl L-cysteine (NAC) and S-carboxymethylcysteine (S-CMC) are mucolytic agents that also act as antioxidants. These agents may reduce oxidative stress directly through the free sulfhydryl groups, serving as a source of reducing equivalents and indirectly though intracellular GSH replenishment. Few studies have compared the effects of corticosteroids and thiol agents on oxidative stress, but there is some evidence for greater antioxidant effects when they are administered together. The current Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) report supports treatment with antioxidants (erdosteine, NAC, S-CMC) in addition to standard-of-care therapy as they have been demonstrated to reduce COPD exacerbations. However, such studies have demonstrated that NAC and S-CMC reduced the exacerbation risk only in patients not treated with ICS, whereas erdosteine reduced COPD exacerbations irrespective of concomitant ICS use suggesting that erdosteine has additional pharmacological actions to ICS. CONCLUSIONS Further clinical trials of antioxidant agents with and without ICS are needed to better understand the place of thiol-based drugs in the treatment of patients with COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Cazzola
- Chair of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Clive P Page
- Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jadwiga A Wedzicha
- Respiratory Medicine Division, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Bartolome R Celli
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonio Anzueto
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care, University of Texas Health and South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Maria Gabriella Matera
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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Montero P, Roger I, Estornut C, Milara J, Cortijo J. Influence of dose and exposition time in the effectiveness of N-Acetyl-l-cysteine treatment in A549 human epithelial cells. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15613. [PMID: 37144195 PMCID: PMC10151372 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) acts as a precursor of the tripeptide glutathione (GSH), one of the principal cell mechanisms for reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with enhanced inflammatory response and oxidative stress and NAC has been used to suppress various pathogenic processes in this disease. Studies show that the effects of NAC are dose-dependent, and it appears that the efficient doses in vitro are usually higher than the achieved in vivo plasma concentrations. However, to date, the inconsistencies between the in vitro NAC antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in vitro effects, by reproducing the in vivo NAC plasma concentrations as well as high NAC concentrations. To do so, A549 were transfected with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly (I:C)) and treated with NAC at different treatment periods. Oxidative stress, release of proinflammatory mediators and NFkB activation were analyzed. Results suggest that NAC at low doses in chronic administration has sustained antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, while acute treatment with high dose NAC exerts a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Montero
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010, Valencia, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Valencia, 46010, Valencia, Spain
- Corresponding author. Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Inés Roger
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010, Valencia, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Valencia, 46010, Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Health Institute Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Estornut
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Valencia, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Milara
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010, Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Health Institute Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Pharmacy Unit, University General Hospital Consortium, 46014, Valencia, Spain
| | - Julio Cortijo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010, Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Health Institute Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Research and Teaching Unit, University General Hospital Consortium, 46014, Valencia, Spain
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8
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Calzetta L, Pistocchini E, Ritondo BL, Cavalli F, Camardelli F, Rogliani P. Muscarinic receptor antagonists and airway inflammation: A systematic review on pharmacological models. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09760. [PMID: 35785239 PMCID: PMC9240991 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway inflammation is crucial in the pathogenesis of many respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Current evidence supports the beneficial impact of muscarinic receptor antagonists against airway inflammation from bench-to-bedside. Considering the numerous sampling approaches and the ethical implications required to study inflammation in vivo in patients, the use of pre-clinical models is inevitable. Starting from our recently published systematic review concerning the impact of muscarinic antagonists, we have systematically assessed the current pharmacological models of airway inflammation and provided an overview on the advances in in vitro and ex vivo approaches. The purpose of in vitro models is to recapitulate selected pathophysiological parameters or processes that are crucial to the development of new drugs within a controlled environment. Nevertheless, immortalized cell lines or primary airway cells present major limitations, including the inability to fully replicate the conditions of the corresponding cell types within a whole organism. Induced animal models are extensively used in research in the attempt to replicate a respiratory condition reflective of a human pathological state, although considering animal models with spontaneously occurring respiratory diseases may be more appropriate since most of the clinical features are accompanied by lung pathology resembling that of the human condition. In recent years, three-dimensional organoids have become an alternative to animal experiments, also because animal models are unable to fully mimic the complexity of human pulmonary diseases. Ex vivo studies performed on human isolated airways have a superior translational value compared to in vitro and animal models, as they retain the morphology and the microenvironment of the lung in vivo. In the foreseeable future, greater effort should be undertaken to rely on more physiologically relevant models, that provide translational value into clinic and have a direct impact on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigino Calzetta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Corresponding author.
| | - Elena Pistocchini
- Unit of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Ludovica Ritondo
- Unit of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Cavalli
- Unit of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Camardelli
- Unit of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Rogliani
- Unit of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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Guerini M, Condrò G, Friuli V, Maggi L, Perugini P. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and Its Role in Clinical Practice Management of Cystic Fibrosis (CF): A Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020217. [PMID: 35215328 PMCID: PMC8879903 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
N-acetylcysteine is the acetylated form of the amino acid L-cysteine and a precursor to glutathione (GSH). It has been known for a long time as a powerful antioxidant and as an antidote for paracetamol overdose. However, other activities related to this molecule have been discovered over the years, making it a promising drug for diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF). Its antioxidant activity plays a key role in CF airway inflammation and redox imbalance. Furthermore, this molecule appears to play an important role in the prevention and eradication of biofilms resulting from CF airway infections, in particular that of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of CF and the role that NAC could play in preventing and eliminating biofilms, as a modulator of inflammation and as an antioxidant, restoring the redox balance within the airways in CF patients. To do this, NAC can act alone, but it can also be used as an adjuvant molecule to known drugs (antibiotics/anti-inflammatories) to increase their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Guerini
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.C.); (V.F.); (L.M.); (P.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giorgia Condrò
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.C.); (V.F.); (L.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Valeria Friuli
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.C.); (V.F.); (L.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Lauretta Maggi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.C.); (V.F.); (L.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Paola Perugini
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.C.); (V.F.); (L.M.); (P.P.)
- Etichub, Academic Spin-Off, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Calzetta L, Pietroiusti A, Page C, Bussolati O, Chetta A, Facciolo F, Rogliani P. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes induce airway hyperresponsiveness in human bronchi by stimulating sensory C-fibers and increasing the release of neuronal acetylcholine. Expert Rev Respir Med 2021; 15:1473-1481. [PMID: 34498989 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2021.1979395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The potential of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in inducing airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was investigated in human airways. METHODS Human isolated bronchi were exposed to MWCNTs and the contractility to electrical field stimulation (EFS) was measured. Neuronal acetylcholine (ACh) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) were quantified. Some tissues were desensitized by consecutive administrations of capsaicin. RESULTS MWCNTs (100 ng/ml - 100 µg/ml) induced AHR (overall contractile tone vs. negative control: +83.43 ± 11.13%, P < 0.01). The potency was significantly (P < 0.05) greater when airways were stimulated at low frequency (EFS3Hz) then at medium-to-high frequencies (EFS10Hz and EFS25Hz) (delta potency: +2.13 ± 0.74 and +2.40 ± 0.65 logarithms, respectively). In capsaicin-desensitized airways, the AHR to MWCNTs 100 ng/ml was abolished. MWCNTs increased the release of ACh, an effect prevented by capsaicin-desensitization (-90.17 ± 18.59%, P < 0.05). MWCNTs did not alter the level of cAMP. CONCLUSION MWCNTs administered at low concentrations elicit AHR in human airways by activating sensory C-fibers and, in turn, increasing the release of neuronal ACh. Our results suggest that work is required to understand the impact of MWCNTs in patients at risk of AHR, such as those suffering from chronic obstructive respiratory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigino Calzetta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Antonio Pietroiusti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Clive Page
- Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ovidio Bussolati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alfredo Chetta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesco Facciolo
- Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Rogliani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
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Abstract
There is a possible role for oxidative stress, a state characterized by an altered balance between the production of free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defences, in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the genesis of which is quite complex. Excessive oxidative stress could be responsible for the alveolar damage, thrombosis, and red blood cell dysregulation observed in COVID-19. Apparently, deficiency of glutathione (GSH), a low-molecular-weight thiol that is the most important non-enzymatic antioxidant molecule and has the potential to keep the cytokine storm in check, is a plausible explanation for the severe manifestations and death in COVID-19 patients. Thiol drugs, which are considered mucolytic, also possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They exhibit antibacterial activity against a variety of medically important bacteria and may be an effective strategy against influenza virus infection. The importance of oxidative stress during COVID-19 and the various pharmacological characteristics of thiol-based drugs suggest a possible role of thiols in the treatment of COVID-19. Oral and intravenous GSH, as well as GSH precursors such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), or drugs containing the thiol moiety (erdosteine) may represent a novel therapeutic approach to block NF-kB and address the cytokine storm syndrome and respiratory distress observed in COVID-19 pneumonia patients
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12
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Zheng D, Wang J, Li G, Sun Y, Deng Q, Li M, Song K, Zhao Z. Preliminary therapeutic and mechanistic evaluation of S-allylmercapto-N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of pulmonary emphysema. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 98:107913. [PMID: 34218218 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to study the effects and mechanisms of S-allylmercapto-N-acetylcysteine (ASSNAC) in the treatment of pulmonary emphysema based on network pharmacology analysis and other techniques. Firstly, the potential targets associated with ASSNAC and COPD were integrated using public databases. Then, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed using String database and Cytoscape software. The Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were performed on DAVID platform. The molecular docking of ASSNAC with some key disease targets was implemented on the SwissDock platform. To verify the results of the network pharmacology, a pulmonary emphysema mice model was established and treated with ASSNAC. Besides, the expressions of the predicted targets were detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results showed that 33 overlapping targets are achieved, including CXCL8, ICAM1, MAP2K1, PTGS2, ACE and so on. The critical pathways of ASSNAC against COPD involved arachidonic acid metabolism, chemokine pathway, MAPK pathway, renin-angiotensin system, and others. Pharmacodynamic experiments demonstrated that ASSNAC decreased the pulmonary emphysema and inflammation in the pulmonary emphysema mice. Therefore, these results confirm the perspective of network pharmacology in the target verification, and indicate the treatment potential of ASSNAC against COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Jinglong Wang
- College of Food Sciences and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang 277160, PR China
| | - Genju Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Yueyue Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Qi Deng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Muhan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Kaili Song
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Zhongxi Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China; Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China; Pediatric Pharmaceutical Engineering Laboratory of Shandong Province, Shandong Dyne Marine Biopharmaceutical Company Limited, Rongcheng, Shandong 264300, PR China; Chemical Immunopharmaceutical Engineering Laboratory of Shandong Province, Shandong Xili Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Heze, Shandong 274300, PR China.
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Akhter J, Quéromès G, Pillai K, Kepenekian V, Badar S, Mekkawy AH, Frobert E, Valle SJ, Morris DL. The Combination of Bromelain and Acetylcysteine (BromAc) Synergistically Inactivates SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030425. [PMID: 33800932 PMCID: PMC7999995 DOI: 10.3390/v13030425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection is the cause of a worldwide pandemic, currently with limited therapeutic options. The spike glycoprotein and envelope protein of SARS-CoV-2, containing disulfide bridges for stabilization, represent an attractive target as they are essential for binding to the ACE2 receptor in host cells present in the nasal mucosa. Bromelain and Acetylcysteine (BromAc) has synergistic action against glycoproteins by breakage of glycosidic linkages and disulfide bonds. We sought to determine the effect of BromAc on the spike and envelope proteins and its potential to reduce infectivity in host cells. Recombinant spike and envelope SARS-CoV-2 proteins were disrupted by BromAc. Spike and envelope protein disulfide bonds were reduced by Acetylcysteine. In in vitro whole virus culture of both wild-type and spike mutants, SARS-CoV-2 demonstrated a concentration-dependent inactivation from BromAc treatment but not from single agents. Clinical testing through nasal administration in patients with early SARS-CoV-2 infection is imminent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed Akhter
- Department of Surgery, St. George Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia; (J.A.); (V.K.); (S.B.); (A.H.M.); (S.J.V.)
- Mucpharm Pty Ltd., Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia;
| | - Grégory Quéromès
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team VirPatH, Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France; (G.Q.); (E.F.)
| | | | - Vahan Kepenekian
- Department of Surgery, St. George Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia; (J.A.); (V.K.); (S.B.); (A.H.M.); (S.J.V.)
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, EMR 3738 (CICLY), Lyon 1 Université, F-69921 Lyon, France
| | - Samina Badar
- Department of Surgery, St. George Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia; (J.A.); (V.K.); (S.B.); (A.H.M.); (S.J.V.)
- St. George & Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - Ahmed H. Mekkawy
- Department of Surgery, St. George Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia; (J.A.); (V.K.); (S.B.); (A.H.M.); (S.J.V.)
- Mucpharm Pty Ltd., Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia;
- St. George & Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - Emilie Frobert
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team VirPatH, Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France; (G.Q.); (E.F.)
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Institut des Agents Infectieux (IAI), Hospices Civils de Lyon, Groupement Hospitalier Nord, F-69004 Lyon, France
| | - Sarah J. Valle
- Department of Surgery, St. George Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia; (J.A.); (V.K.); (S.B.); (A.H.M.); (S.J.V.)
- Mucpharm Pty Ltd., Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia;
- St. George & Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - David L. Morris
- Department of Surgery, St. George Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia; (J.A.); (V.K.); (S.B.); (A.H.M.); (S.J.V.)
- Mucpharm Pty Ltd., Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia;
- St. George & Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-(02)-91132590
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Gunjegaonkar SM, Wankhede SB, Shanmugarajan TS, Shinde SD. Bioactive role of plant stress hormone methyl jasmonate against lipopolysaccharide induced arthritis. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05432. [PMID: 33225090 PMCID: PMC7666351 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The current investigation was carried out to screen antiarthritic potential of Methyl Jasmonate (MJ) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced arthritis. Cartilage damage was induced in experimental animals by intraplantar administration of LPS (1 mg/kg) and antiarthritic effect of MJ was screened in two doses of MJ-1 (20 mg/kg), MJ-2 (40 mg/kg) by intraperitoneally administration. Indomethacin (30 mg/kg p.o.) was used as standard drug. The severity of arthritis was evaluated by assessing arthritis score, secondary lesions, motility test, stair climbing ability, and dorsal flexion pain score method. The estimation of blood cytokine tumor necrosis factor- aplha (TNF-α),interleukine (IL-2 and IL-6) and thymus/spleen index was carried out to access the severity of inflammation. Estimation of hepaticenzymatic antioxidant activity superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)and radiological examination was carried out on 28th day. Results indicated that MJ showed significant reduction in severity of arthritis by decreasing arthritis score, secondary lesions where as significant increase in motility, climbing ability and flexion pain score was observed. Significant decreased in blood cytokine viz. TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6 andthymus/spleen index was observed in MJ treated animals in dose dependent manner. MJ treated animals showed significant increased and restoration of hepatic antioxidant enzymatic activityof SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx where asradiological examination indicates protective effect on joint structure as compared to LPS treated rats. These current studies conclude that MJ has protective role in arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Gunjegaonkar
- JSPM's Charak College of Pharmacy and Research, Department of Pharmacology, Gate No. 720/1&2, Pune-Nagar Road, Wagholi, 412207, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - S B Wankhede
- JSPM's Charak College of Pharmacy and Research, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Gate No. 720/1&2, Pune-Nagar Road, Wagholi, 412207, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - T S Shanmugarajan
- Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics, Velan Nagar, P. V. Vaithiyalingam Road, Pallavaram, Chennai, 600 117, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S D Shinde
- Shri. R. D. Bhakt College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Jalna 431203, Maharashtra, India
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Kaufman G, Skrtic D. N-Acetyl Cysteine Modulates the Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Responses of Rescued Growth-Arrested Dental Pulp Microtissues Exposed to TEGDMA in ECM. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197318. [PMID: 33023018 PMCID: PMC7582816 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dental pulp is exposed to resin monomers leaching from capping materials. Toxic doses of the monomer, triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), impact cell growth, enhance inflammatory and oxidative stress responses, and lead to tissue necrosis. A therapeutic agent is required to rescue growth-arrested tissues by continuing their development and modulating the exacerbated responses. The functionality of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) as a treatment was assessed by employing a 3D dental pulp microtissue platform. Immortalized and primary microtissues developed and matured in the extracellular matrix (ECM). TEGDMA was introduced at various concentrations. NAC was administered simultaneously with TEGDMA, before or after monomer addition during the development and after the maturation stages of the microtissue. Spatial growth was validated by confocal microscopy and image processing. Levels of inflammatory (COX2, NLRP3, IL-8) and oxidative stress (GSH, Nrf2) markers were quantified by immunoassays. NAC treatments, in parallel with TEGDMA challenge or post-challenge, resumed the growth of the underdeveloped microtissues and protected mature microtissues from deterioration. Growth recovery correlated with the alleviation of both responses by decreasing significantly the intracellular and extracellular levels of the markers. Our 3D/ECM-based dental pulp platform is an efficient tool for drug rescue screening. NAC supports compromised microtissues development, and immunomodulates and maintains the oxidative balance.
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Brodskaya TA, Nevzorova VA, Vasileva MS, Lavrenyuk VV. [Endothelium-related and neuro-mediated mechanisms of emphysema development in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. TERAPEVT ARKH 2020; 92:116-124. [PMID: 32598803 DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2020.03.000347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Emphysema is one of the main manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and smoking is one of the most significant risk factors. The results of studies in humans and animals show the vascular endothelium initiates and modulates the main pathological processes in COPD and smoking is an important factor initiating, developing and persisting inflammation and remodeling of blood vessels and tissues, including the destruction of small respiratory tracts with the development of lung tissue destruction and emphysema. The latest studies describe mechanisms not just associated with the endothelium, but specific neuro-mediated mechanisms. There is reason to believe that neuro-mediated and neuro-similar mechanisms associated and not related to endothelial dysfunction may play the significant role in the pathogenesis of COPD and emphysema formation. Information about components and mechanisms of neurogenic inflammation in emphysema development is fragmentary and not systematized in the literature. It is described that long-term tobacco smoking can initiate processes not only of cells and tissues damage, but also become a trigger for excessive release of neurotransmitters, which entails whole cascades of adverse reactions that have an effect on emphysema formation. With prolonged and/or intensive stimulation of sensor fibers, excessive release of neuropeptides is accompanied by a number of plastic and destructive processes due to a cascade of pathological reactions of neurogenic inflammation, the main participants of which are classical neuropeptides and their receptors. The most important consequences can be the maintenance and stagnation of chronic inflammation, activation of the mechanisms of destruction and remodeling, inadequate repair processes in response to damage, resulting in irreversible loss of lung tissue. For future research, there is interest to evaluate the possibilities of therapeutic and prophylactic effects on neuro-mediated mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction and damage emphysema in COPD and smoking development.
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Cazzola M, Calzetta L, Page C, Rogliani P, Matera MG. Thiol-Based Drugs in Pulmonary Medicine: Much More than Mucolytics. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2019; 40:452-463. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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18
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Qi Q, Ailiyaer Y, Liu R, Zhang Y, Li C, Liu M, Wang X, Jing L, Li Y. Effect of N-acetylcysteine on exacerbations of bronchiectasis (BENE): a randomized controlled trial. Respir Res 2019; 20:73. [PMID: 30975143 PMCID: PMC6458826 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-019-1042-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background N-acetylcysteine is a classic mucolytic agent. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine on reducing the risk of exacerbations in bronchiectasis patients. Methods A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted between April 1, 2014 and December 31, 2016 in five general hospitals in Shandong Province, China. Adult bronchiectasis patients with at least two exacerbations in the past year were potentially eligible. Patients were randomly assigned to receive oral N-acetylcysteine (600 mg, twice daily, 12 months) or on-demand treatment. Results A total of 161 patients were eligible for randomization (81 to the N-acetylcysteine group and 80 to the control group). During the 12-month follow-up, the incidence of exacerbations in the N-acetylcysteine group was significantly lower than that in the control group (1.31 vs. 1.98 exacerbations per patient-year; risk ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.17–0.66; P = 0.0011). The median number of exacerbations in the N-acetylcysteine group was 1 (0.5–2), compared with 2 (1–2) in the control group (U = − 2.95, P = 0.003). A total of 24.7% of the N-acetylcysteine group patients and 11.3% of the control group patients remained exacerbation-free throughout the 12-month follow-up (χ2 = 4.924, P = 0.026). Compared with the control group, the volume of 24-h sputum in the N-acetylcysteine group was significantly reduced (t = − 3.091, P = 0.002). Additionally, the N-acetylcysteine group showed a significant improvement in the quality of life. No severe adverse events were reported in the intervention group. Conclusion The long-term use of N-acetylcysteine is able to reduce the risk of exacerbations for bronchiectasis patients in Shandong Province, China. The results of this study should be verified in a larger randomized controlled trial. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02088216) (Registered date: March 5, 2014).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Qi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107 Wenhua Xilu, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinan City People's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yirepanjaing Ailiyaer
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ruijuan Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Jining, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth People's Hospital of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Caiyu Li
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Mingtao Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Binzhou People's Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Xiuxiu Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107 Wenhua Xilu, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lijun Jing
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107 Wenhua Xilu, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107 Wenhua Xilu, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China.
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Calzetta L, Matera MG, Rogliani P, Cazzola M. Multifaceted activity of N-acetyl-l-cysteine in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Expert Rev Respir Med 2018; 12:693-708. [DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2018.1495562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luigino Calzetta
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Matera
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Unit of Pharmacology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Rogliani
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Cazzola
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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