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Röckendorf N, Ramaker K, Gaede K, Tappertzhofen K, Lunding L, Wegmann M, Horbert P, Weber K, Frey A. Parallel detection of multiple biomarkers in a point-of-care-competent device for the prediction of exacerbations in chronic inflammatory lung disease. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12830. [PMID: 38834656 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62784-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Sudden aggravations of chronic inflammatory airway diseases are difficult-to-foresee life-threatening episodes for which advanced prognosis-systems are highly desirable. Here we present an experimental chip-based fluidic system designed for the rapid and sensitive measurement of biomarkers prognostic for potentially imminent asthma or COPD exacerbations. As model biomarkers we chose three cytokines (interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha), the bacterial infection marker C-reactive protein and the bacterial pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae-all relevant factors in exacerbation episodes. Assay protocols established in laboratory environments were adapted to 3D-printed fluidic devices with emphasis on short processing times, low reagent consumption and a low limit of detection in order to enable the fluidic system to be used in point-of-care settings. The final device demonstrator was validated with patient sample material for its capability to detect endogenous as well as exogenous biomarkers in parallel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Röckendorf
- Division of Mucosal Immunology and Diagnostics, Priority Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Research Center Borstel - Leibniz Lung Center, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Parkallee 1-40, Borstel, Germany
| | - Katrin Ramaker
- Division of Mucosal Immunology and Diagnostics, Priority Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Research Center Borstel - Leibniz Lung Center, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Parkallee 1-40, Borstel, Germany
| | - Karoline Gaede
- BioMaterialBank-North, Department of Medicine, Research Center Borstel - Leibniz Lung Center, Parkallee 1-40, Borstel, Germany
- Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
| | - Kristof Tappertzhofen
- Division of Mucosal Immunology and Diagnostics, Priority Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Research Center Borstel - Leibniz Lung Center, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Parkallee 1-40, Borstel, Germany
| | - Lars Lunding
- Division of Lung Immunology, Priority Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Research Center Borstel - Leibniz Lung Center, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Parkallee 1-40, Borstel, Germany
- Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
| | - Michael Wegmann
- Division of Lung Immunology, Priority Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Research Center Borstel - Leibniz Lung Center, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Parkallee 1-40, Borstel, Germany
- Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
| | - Peter Horbert
- Department of Spectroscopy and Imaging, Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Member of the Leibniz Centre for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, Jena, Germany
| | - Karina Weber
- Department of Spectroscopy and Imaging, Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Member of the Leibniz Centre for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, Jena, Germany
| | - Andreas Frey
- Division of Mucosal Immunology and Diagnostics, Priority Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Research Center Borstel - Leibniz Lung Center, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Parkallee 1-40, Borstel, Germany.
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Assessment of extrafine beclomethasone/formoterol for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A non-interventional study in a Bulgarian population. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2022; 77:102169. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2022.102169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Alobaidi NY, Almeshari M, Stockley J, Stockley RA, Sapey E. Small airway function measured using forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity and its relationship to airflow limitation in symptomatic ever-smokers: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open Respir Res 2022; 9:9/1/e001385. [PMID: 36202407 PMCID: PMC9540854 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2022-001385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is diagnosed and its severity graded by traditional spirometric parameters (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1, respectively) but these parameters are considered insensitive for identifying early pathology. Measures of small airway function, including forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75), may be more valuable in the earliest phases of COPD. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of low FEF25-75 in ever-smokers with and without airflow limitation (AL) and to determine whether FEF25-75 relates to AL severity. METHOD A retrospective analysis of lung function data of 1458 ever-smokers suspected clinically of having COPD. Low FEF25-75 was defined by z-score<-0.8345 and AL was defined by FEV1/FVC z-scores<-1.645. The severity of AL was evaluated using FEV1 z-scores. Participants were placed into three groups: normal FEF25-75/ no AL (normal FEF25-75/AL-); low FEF25-75/ no AL (low FEF25-75/AL-) and low FEF25-75/ AL (low FEF25-75/AL+). RESULTS Low FEF25-75 was present in 99.9% of patients with AL, and 50% of those without AL. Patients in the low FEF25-75/AL- group had lower spirometric measures (including FEV1 FEF25-75/FVC and FEV3/FVC) than those in the normal FEF25-75/AL- group. FEF25-75 decreased with AL severity. A logistic regression model demonstrated that in the absence of AL, the presence of low FEF25-75 was associated with lower FEV1 and FEV1/FVC even when smoking history was accounted for. CONCLUSIONS Low FEF25-75 is a physiological trait in patients with conventional spirometric AL and likely reflects early evidence of impairment in the small airways when spirometry is within the 'normal range'. FEF25-75 likely identifies a group of patients with early evidence of pathological lung damage who warrant careful monitoring and reinforced early intervention to abrogate further lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nowaf Y Alobaidi
- Birmingham Acute Care Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Respiratory Therapy Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Alahsa, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Alahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Almeshari
- Birmingham Acute Care Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Rehabilitation Health Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - James Stockley
- Lung Function & Sleep Department, Respiratory Medicine, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Robert Andrew Stockley
- Lung Function & Sleep Department, Respiratory Medicine, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Elizabeth Sapey
- Birmingham Acute Care Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
- Acute Medicine, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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Loo CY, Lee WH. Nanotechnology-based therapeutics for targeting inflammatory lung diseases. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2022; 17:865-879. [PMID: 35315290 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2021-0447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiochemical properties of drugs used in treating inflammation-associated lung diseases (i.e., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis) play an important role in determining the effectiveness of formulations. Most commonly used drugs are associated with low solubility, low stability and rapid clearance, thus resulting in low bioavailability and therapeutic index. This review focuses on current trends and development of drugs (i.e., corticosteroids, long-acting β-agonists and biomacromolecules such as DNA, siRNA and mRNA) employed to treat inflammatory lung diseases. In addition, this review includes the current challenges of and future perspective with regard to nanotechnology in the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Yee Loo
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Perak, 30450, Malaysia
| | - Wing-Hin Lee
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Perak, 30450, Malaysia
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Damiański P, Kardas G, Panek M, Kuna P, Kupczyk M. Improving the risk-to-benefit ratio of inhaled corticosteroids through delivery and dose: current progress and future directions. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2021; 21:499-515. [PMID: 34720035 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2022.1999926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are known to increase the risk of systemic and local adverse effects, especially with high doses and long-term use. Hence, considerable resources are invested to improve pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) properties of ICS, effective delivery systems and novel combination therapies to enhance the risk-to-benefit ratio of ICS. AREAS COVERED There is an unmet need for new solutions to achieve optimal clinical outcomes with minimal dose of ICS. This paper gives an overview of novel treatment strategies regarding the safety of ICS therapy on the basis of the three most recent molecules introduced to our everyday clinical practice - ciclesonide, mometasone furoate, and fluticasone furoate. Advances in aerosol devices and new areas of inhalation therapy are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION Current progress in improving the risk-to-benefit ratio of ICS through dose and delivery probably established pathways for further developments. This applies both to the improvement of the PK/PD properties of ICS molecules but also includes technical aspects that lead to simplified applicability of the device with simultaneous optimal drug deposition in the lungs. Indubitably, the future of medicine lies not only in the development of new molecules but also in technology and digital revolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Damiański
- Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Kardas
- Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Michał Panek
- Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr Kuna
- Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Maciej Kupczyk
- Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Sriram K, Insel MB, Insel PA. Inhaled β2 Adrenergic Agonists and Other cAMP-Elevating Agents: Therapeutics for Alveolar Injury and Acute Respiratory Disease Syndrome? Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:488-526. [PMID: 34795026 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhaled long-acting β-adrenergic agonists (LABAs) and short-acting β-adrenergic agonists are approved for the treatment of obstructive lung disease via actions mediated by β2 adrenergic receptors (β2-ARs) that increase cellular cAMP synthesis. This review discusses the potential of β2-AR agonists, in particular LABAs, for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We emphasize ARDS induced by pneumonia and focus on the pathobiology of ARDS and actions of LABAs and cAMP on pulmonary and immune cell types. β2-AR agonists/cAMP have beneficial actions that include protection of epithelial and endothelial cells from injury, restoration of alveolar fluid clearance, and reduction of fibrotic remodeling. β2-AR agonists/cAMP also exert anti-inflammatory effects on the immune system by actions on several types of immune cells. Early administration is likely critical for optimizing efficacy of LABAs or other cAMP-elevating agents, such as agonists of other Gs-coupled G protein-coupled receptors or cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Clinical studies that target lung injury early, prior to development of ARDS, are thus needed to further assess the use of inhaled LABAs, perhaps combined with inhaled corticosteroids and/or long-acting muscarinic cholinergic antagonists. Such agents may provide a multipronged, repurposing, and efficacious therapeutic approach while minimizing systemic toxicity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after pulmonary alveolar injury (e.g., certain viral infections) is associated with ∼40% mortality and in need of new therapeutic approaches. This review summarizes the pathobiology of ARDS, focusing on contributions of pulmonary and immune cell types and potentially beneficial actions of β2 adrenergic receptors and cAMP. Early administration of inhaled β2 adrenergic agonists and perhaps other cAMP-elevating agents after alveolar injury may be a prophylactic approach to prevent development of ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Sriram
- Departments of Pharmacology (K.S., P.A.I.) and Medicine (P.A.I.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Department of Medicine (M.B.I.) University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Michael B Insel
- Departments of Pharmacology (K.S., P.A.I.) and Medicine (P.A.I.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Department of Medicine (M.B.I.) University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Paul A Insel
- Departments of Pharmacology (K.S., P.A.I.) and Medicine (P.A.I.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Department of Medicine (M.B.I.) University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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Rogliani P, Ritondo BL, Puxeddu E, Cazzola M, Calzetta L. Impact of long-acting muscarinic antagonists on small airways in asthma and COPD: A systematic review. Respir Med 2021; 189:106639. [PMID: 34628125 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2021.106639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Small airway disease is recognized as a cardinal pathological process of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and recently small airways have been recognized as a major site of airflow obstruction also in asthmatic patients. The transversal involvement of small airways in COPD and asthma has warranted research efforts to identify therapeutic strategies able to unlock the small airway compartment. The mainstay of COPD treatment is represented by long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonists (LABAs) and long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs). In asthma, the efficacy of LAMAs administered add-on to inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) or ICS/LABA combinations has been investigated only in recent years. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the current literature concerning the impact of LAMAs on small airways and their lung deposition in both COPD and asthma. LAMAs administered either alone or in combination induced an effective bronchorelaxant effect of small airways, however the effectiveness of respiratory medications not only relies on the selected drug, but also on the employed inhalation device and patient's adherence. Tiotropium delivered via Respimat® SMI achieved a superior drug deposition in the peripheral lung compared to HandiHaler® dry powder inhaler and metered-dose inhalers (MDIs). The use of co-suspension™ delivery technology for MDIs and the introduction of the eFlow® nebulizer to deliver glycopyrronium improved aerosol drug delivery to the peripheral lung, by achieving uniform distribution of drug particles. This systematic review provides a synthesis of current literature concerning the impact of LAMAs on small airways and an insight on LAMAs distribution within the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Rogliani
- 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
| | - Ermanno Puxeddu
- Unit of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Cazzola
- Unit of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Luigino Calzetta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Che L, Yu C, Chen G, Lin J, Xie Z, Xia T, Luo W, Cai X, Liu S. The Inflammatory Response Induced by RELMβ Upregulates IL-8 and IL-1β Expression in Bronchial Epithelial Cells in COPD. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2021; 16:2503-2513. [PMID: 34511895 PMCID: PMC8421257 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s321877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a complex inflammatory regulatory network. Resistin-like molecule β (RELMβ) is highly expressed in the lungs of COPD patients. We aimed to investigate the proinflammatory effect of RELMβ on airway epithelial cells in COPD. Methods First, a GEO dataset was used to analyze the expression of the RELMβ gene in the COPD and control groups as well as the protein levels of RELMβ in the sera of outpatients with COPD and normal control subjects in our hospital. We also stimulated 16HBE bronchial epithelial cells with recombinant RELMβ protein and analyzed the expression of IL-8 and IL-1β. We upregulated and downregulated the gene expression of RELMβ in 16HBE cells and analyzed the expression of the inflammatory cytokines IL-8 and IL-1β. In addition, we also examined the mechanism by which the p38 MAPK signaling pathway contributed to the regulation of IL-8 and IL-1β expression by RELMβ. Results RELMβ expression was increased in COPD tissues in different data sets and in the serum of COPD patients in our hospital. IL-8 and IL-1β expression was also increased in COPD tissues with high RELMβ gene expression in different data sets. The RELMβ gene was mainly related to inflammatory factors and inflammatory signaling pathways in the PPI regulatory network. Experiments at the cellular level showed that RELMβ promoted the expression of the inflammatory cytokines IL-8 and IL-1β, and this regulation was mediated by the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusion RELMβ can promote the expression of the inflammatory cytokines IL-8 and IL-1β in bronchial epithelial cells of patients with COPD and exert inflammatory effects. RELMβ may be a potential target for the treatment of COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Che
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Yu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Lu'an People's Hospital of Anhui Province, Lu'an, 237016, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangshu Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510220, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxin Lin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhefan Xie
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Xia
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenzhi Luo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingdong Cai
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengming Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
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Usmani OS, Dhand R, Lavorini F, Price D. Why We Should Target Small Airways Disease in Our Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Mayo Clin Proc 2021; 96:2448-2463. [PMID: 34183115 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2021.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
For more than 50 years, small airways disease has been considered a key feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a major cause of airway obstruction. Both preventable and treatable, small airways disease has important clinical consequences if left unchecked. Small airways disease is associated with poor spirometry results, increased lung hyperinflation, and poor health status, making the small airways an important treatment target in COPD. The early detection of small airways disease remains the key barrier; if detected early, treatments designed to target small airways may help reduce symptoms and allow patients to maintain their activities. Studies are needed to evaluate the possible role of new drugs and novel drug formulations, inhalers, and inhalation devices for treating small airways disease. These developments will help to improve our management of small airways disease in patients with COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar S Usmani
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, and Royal Brompton Hospital, Airways Disease Section, London, UK.
| | - Rajiv Dhand
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville
| | - Federico Lavorini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - David Price
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore; Optimum Patient Care, Cambridge, UK; Centre of Academic Primary Care, Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Zinellu E, Piras B, Ruzittu GGM, Fois SS, Fois AG, Pirina P. Recent Advances in Inflammation and Treatment of Small Airways in Asthma. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20112617. [PMID: 31141956 PMCID: PMC6601314 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Small airways were historically considered to be almost irrelevant in the development and control of pulmonary chronic diseases but, as a matter of fact, in the past few years we have learned that they are not so "silent". Asthma is still a worldwide health issue due to the great share of patients being far from optimal management. Several studies have shown that the deeper lung inflammation plays a critical role in asthma pathogenesis, mostly in these not well-controlled subjects. Therefore, assessing the degree of small airways inflammation and impairment appears to be a pivotal step in the asthmatic patient's management. It is now possible to evaluate them through direct and indirect measurements, even if some obstacles still affect their clinical application. The success of any treatment obviously depends on several factors but reaching the deeper lung has become a priority and, for inhaled drugs, this is strictly connected to the molecule's size. The aim of the present review is to summarize the recent evidence concerning the small airway involvement in asthma, its physiopathological characteristics and how it can be evaluated in order to undertake a personalized pharmacological treatment and achieve a better disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Zinellu
- Respiratory Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (AOU), V.le San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Barbara Piras
- Respiratory Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, V.le San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Giulia G M Ruzittu
- Respiratory Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, V.le San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Sara S Fois
- Respiratory Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, V.le San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Alessandro G Fois
- Respiratory Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, V.le San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Pietro Pirina
- Respiratory Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (AOU), V.le San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
- Respiratory Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, V.le San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
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