Inhibition of platelet-activating factor- and zymosan-activated serum-induced chemotaxis of human neutrophils by nedocromil sodium, BN 52021 and sodium cromoglycate

Cromolyn sodium for the prevention of chronic lung disease in preterm infants

BACKGROUND

This is an update of a review last published by Cochrane in June 2012 entitled "Cromolyn sodium for the prevention of chronic lung disease in preterm infants", which included two studies. This 2016 update identified no further studies.Chronic lung disease (CLD) frequently occurs in preterm infants and has a multifactorial aetiology including inflammation. Cromolyn sodium is a mast cell stabiliser that inhibits neutrophil activation and neutrophil chemotaxis and therefore may have a role in the prevention of CLD.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of prophylactic administration of cromolyn sodium on the incidence of CLD at 28 days or 36 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA), mortality, or the combined outcome of mortality and CLD at 28 days or 36 weeks' PMA in preterm infants.

SEARCH METHODS

We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2016, Issue 4), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 12 May 2016), Embase (1980 to 12 May 2016), and CINAHL (1982 to 12 May 2016). We searched clinical trials databases, conference proceedings, and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised or quasi-randomised controlled clinical trials involving preterm infants. Initiation of cromolyn sodium administration was during the first two weeks of life. The intervention had to include administration of cromolyn sodium by nebuliser or metered dose inhaler with or without spacer device versus placebo or no intervention. Eligible studies had to include at least one of the following outcomes: overall mortality, CLD at 28 days, CLD at 36 weeks' PMA, or the combined outcome mortality and CLD at 28 days.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used the standard method for Cochrane as described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We reported risk ratio (RR) and risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes and mean difference (MD) with 95% CI for continuous data. The meta-analysis used a fixed-effect model. We examined heterogeneity using the I2 statistic. We assessed the quality of evidence for the main comparison at the outcome level using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified two eligible studies with small numbers of infants enrolled (64 infants). Prophylaxis with cromolyn sodium did not result in a statistically significant effect on the combined outcome of mortality and CLD at 28 days (typical RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.52; typical RD 0.03, 95% CI -0.20 to 0.27; 2 trials, 64 infants; I2 = 0% for both RR and RD); mortality at 28 days (typical RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.52 to 3.29; I2 = 73% typical RD 0.06, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.26; I2 = 87%; 2 trials, 64 infants) (very low quality evidence); CLD at 28 days (typical RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.64; I2 = 40%; typical RD -0.03, 95% CI -0.27 to 0.20; I2 = 38%; 2 trials, 64 infants) or at 36 weeks' PMA (RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.43 to 3.63; RD 0.08, 95% CI -0.29 to 0.44; 1 trial, 26 infants). There was no significant difference in CLD in survivors at 28 days (typical RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.63; typical RD -0.02, 95% CI -0.29 to 0.26; I2 = 0% for both RR and RD; 2 trials, 50 infants) or at 36 weeks' PMA (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.38 to 2.87; RD 0.02, 95% CI -0.40 to 0.43; 1 trial, 22 infants). Prophylaxis with cromolyn sodium did not show a statistically significant difference in overall neonatal mortality, incidence of air leaks, necrotising enterocolitis, intraventricular haemorrhage, sepsis, and days of mechanical ventilation. There were no adverse effects noted. The quality of evidence according to GRADE was very low for one outcome (mortality to 28 days) and low for all other outcomes. The reasons for downgrading the evidence was due to design (risk of bias in one study), inconsistency between the two studies (high I2 values for mortality at 28 days for both RR and RD), and lack of precision of estimates (small sample sizes). Further research does not seem to be justified.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is currently no evidence from randomised trials that cromolyn sodium has a role in the prevention of CLD. Cromolyn sodium cannot be recommended for the prevention of CLD in preterm infants.

The central role of thromboxane and platelet activating factor receptors in ex vivo regulation of endotoxin-induced monocyte tissue factor activity in human whole blood

Expression of tissue factor (TF) by activated monocytes may initiate thrombotic episodes associated with diseases, such as thrombosis and atherosclerosis. In this study, steps in the regulatory pathways of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced monocyte TF activity and released TNF-α in human whole blood were probed for using an array of inhibitors, comprising specific inhibitors of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) (AACOCF3), secretory PLA (SB-203347), protein kinase (PK) (staurosporine), PKC (GF109203; BIM), and serine protease (Pefabloc SC), antagonists of thromboxane prostanoid (TP) receptor (R) (SQ-29548), platelet activating factor (PAF) R (BN-52021), leukotriene B4 R (SC-41930), serotonin R (cyproheptadine), fibronectin/fibrinogen R (RGDS), and finally, creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase (CP/CPK) which removes ADP. Whereas when added alone neither of these agents significantly inhibited LPS-induced TF or TNF-α, when presented as a reference cocktail comprising all the agents, TF activity and TNF-α were reduced by 77% and 49%, respectively. By subsequently testing a series of incomplete inhibitory cocktails equal to the reference except for deleted single agents or combinations of two or three active agents, the inhibitory effect of the reference cocktail could be shown to depend on the presence of the protease inhibitor and the thromboxane A2 and PAF antagonists.

Cromolyn sodium for the prevention of chronic lung disease in preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Chronic lung disease (CLD) frequently occurs in preterm infants and has a multifactorial aetiology including inflammation. Cromolyn sodium is a mast cell stabiliser that inhibits neutrophil activation and neutrophil chemotaxis and may, therefore, have a role in the prevention of CLD.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of prophylactic administration of cromolyn sodium on the incidence of CLD, mortality or the combined outcome of mortality or CLD at 28 days of life in preterm infants at risk of CLD.

SEARCH METHODS

The search strategy of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group was used to identify studies. Searches were made of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2009), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL up to and including July 2009, personal files and reference lists of identified trials. For this update the same data bases were searched on 12 April 2012. In addition, on the same date, abstracts from the Pediatric Academic Societies' Annual Meetings (2000 to 2012) were searched on the website PAS2View(TM) as was the Web of Science website using the two previously identified trials as starting points.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled clinical trials involving preterm infants. Initiation of cromolyn sodium administration during the first two weeks of life. The intervention had to include administration of cromolyn sodium by nebuliser or metered dose inhaler with or without spacer device versus placebo or no intervention. Eligible studies had to include at least one of the following outcomes: overall mortality, CLD at 28 days, CLD at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA), or the combined outcome mortality or CLD at 28 days. 

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The standard method for The Cochrane Collaboration as described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions was used. Risk ratio (RR) and risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported for dichotomous outcomes and weighted mean difference (WMD) for continuous data. A fixed-effect model was used for meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was examined using the I(2) statistic.

MAIN RESULTS

Two eligible studies were identified with small numbers of infants enrolled. Prophylaxis with cromolyn sodium did not result in a statistically significant effect on the combined outcome of mortality or CLD at 28 days; CLD at 28 days or at 36 weeks' PMA; or CLD in survivors at 28 days or at 36 weeks' PMA. Prophylaxis with cromolyn sodium did not show a statistically significant difference in overall neonatal mortality, incidence of air leaks, necrotising enterocolitis, intraventricular haemorrhage, sepsis, and days of mechanical ventilation. No side effects were noted. Further research does not seem to be justified.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is currently no evidence from randomised trials that cromolyn sodium has a role in the prevention of CLD. Cromolyn sodium cannot be recommended for the prevention of CLD in preterm infants.

Cromolyn sodium for the prevention of chronic lung disease in preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Chronic lung disease (CLD) frequently occurs in preterm infants (< 37 weeks gestational age) and has a multifactorial etiology including inflammation. Cromolyn sodium is a mast cell stabiliser that inhibits neutrophil activation and neutrophil chemotaxis. Therefore it is possible that cromolyn sodium might have a role in the prevention of CLD.

QUESTION

in preterm infants, does the prophylactic administration of cromolyn sodium reduce the incidence of CLD, mortality or the combined outcome of mortality or CLD at 28 days of life without undue side effects?

SEARCH STRATEGY

The search strategy used to identify studies was according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group. Searches were made of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL up to and including December 2000, the Cochrane Library 2000 Issue 4, personal files and reference lists of identified trials. The following terms were used: chronic lung disease, cromolyn sodium or cromoglycate.

LIMITS

newborn, infant; human, clinical trial or controlled clinical trial or meta analysis or randomised controlled trial. No language restrictions were applied.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled clinical trials involving preterm infants. Initiation of cromolyn sodium administration during the first two weeks of life. The intervention had to include administration of cromolyn sodium by nebulizer or metered dose inhaler with or without spacer device, versus placebo or no intervention. Eligible studies had to include at least one of the following outcomes: overall mortality, CLD at 28 days, CLD at 36 weeks corrected gestational age, or the combined outcome mortality or CLD at 28 days. Secondary outcomes included number of days on oxygen, number of days on mechanical ventilation, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), air leaks [pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE), pneumothorax], any grade of intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis and adverse effects due to cromolyn sodium.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used the standard method for the Cochrane Collaboration as described in the Cochrane Collaboration handbook. Both investigators extracted and assessed all data for each study. Any disagreement was resolved by discussion. Relative risk (RR) and risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported for dichotomous outcomes and weighted mean difference (WMD) for continuous data. Number needed to treat was not calculated as no outcome showed a statistically significant RD. A fixed effect model was used for meta-analysis.

MAIN RESULTS

Two eligible studies were identified with small numbers of infants enrolled. Prophylaxis with cromolyn sodium did not result in a statistically significant effect on the combined outcome, death or CLD at 28 days [RR 1.05 (95% CI 0.73, 1.52); RD 0.03 (95% CI -0.20, 0.27)], CLD at 28 days [RR 0.93 (95% CI 0.53, 1.64; RD -0.03 (95% CI -0.27, 0.20)], CLD at 36 weeks corrected gestational age [RR 1.25 (95% CI 0.43, 3.63); RD 0.08 (95% CI -0.29, 0.44)], CLD in survivors at 28 days [RR 0.97 (95% CI 0.58, 1.63); RD -0.02 (95% CI -0.29, 0.26)] or CLD in survivors at 36 weeks corrected gestational age [RR 1.04 (95% CI 0.38, 2.87); RD 0.02 (95% CI -0.40, 0.43)]. Prophylaxis with cromolyn sodium did not show a statistically significant difference in overall mortality [RR 1.31 (95% CI 0.52, 3.29); RD 0.06 (95% CI -0.13, 0.26)]. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of air leaks, NEC, IVH, sepsis, days on mechanical ventilation or PDA. No side effects were noted.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

There is currently no evidence from randomized trials that cromolyn sodium has a role in the prevention of CLD. Cromolyn sodium cannot be recommended for the prevention of CLD in preterm infants. Additional clinical trials do not appear to be justified using the protocols for drug administration used to date unless a more efficient type of delivery device than the jet nebulizer is employed.

Modulation of HLA-DR antigen and ICAM-1 molecule expression on airway epithelial cells by sodium nedocromil

OBJECTIVE

To test in vitro and in vivo the hypothesis that sodium nedocromil could modulate the expression of surface molecules on airway epithelial cells.

METHODS

Human bronchial epithelial cells, obtained from surgically resected bronchi, were cultured and stimulated with recombinant IFN-gamma in the presence of sodium nedocromil. The intensity of the expression of surface molecules HLA-DR and ICAM-1 molecules on bronchial epithelial cells in vitro, was quantified by specific antibody staining and flow-cytometry analysis. Furthermore, we studied the effect of the drug on airway inflammation in vivo and on allergic rhinitis patients sensitized to house dust mites. Nasal epithelial cells were collected by brushing, at baseline and 2 to 3 weeks after treatment with sodium nedocromil. The expression of HLA-DR and ICAM-1 molecules was measured by flow-cytometry, and the proportions of neutrophils and eosinophils "contaminating" the epithelial cells evaluated by light microscopy examination of nasal brushings.

RESULTS

The enhanced HLA-DR and ICAM-1 expression, induced by IFN-gamma, was effectively downregulated, in a dose-dependent manner, by sodium nedocromil. At all the concentrations tested (10(-9) to 10(-4) M), the inhibitory activity of the drug was stronger on HLA-DR than on ICAM-1 expression (P<.05, all comparisons). As compared with healthy subjects, patients with allergic rhinitis had a higher expression of HLA-DR (P<.05) but not of ICAM-1 molecules (P>.05) on nasal epithelial cells, and higher proportions of nasal eosinophils (P<.05). Treatment with sodium nedocromil downregulated the expression of HLA-DR (P<.05), but not of ICAM-1 (P>.05), and induced a mild, but not statistically significant, decrease of nasal eosinophilia (P>.05).

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate that the antiinflammatory activity of sodium nedocromil may include modulation of surface molecule expression on airway epithelial cells.

A comparative study of the clinical efficacy of nedocromil sodium and placebo. How does cromolyn sodium compare as an active control treatment?

Nedocromil sodium and cromolyn sodium are the only two currently available nonsteroid anti-inflammatory agents for treatment of asthma. Clinical differences between the two agents remain under continuous investigation with reports differentiating the two on the basis of atopy of the patient and reversibility of bronchoconstriction. This study investigated the efficacy of nedocromil sodium (4 mg, qid) for treatment of mild-to-moderate asthma in comparison to placebo using cromolyn sodium (2 mg, qid) as an active control treatment. Patients were primarily allergic asthmatics (with at least 15% reversibility) previously maintained on a regimen of regular bronchodilator therapy. During a 2-week run-in period, the patient's slow-release theophylline therapy was removed, and the patients were randomized to treatment after deterioration of asthma control (asthma symptom summary score of 3 for 7 of the 14 days). After 8 weeks of treatment, patients were returned to as occasion requires bronchodilator therapy, as per the 2-week baseline period. The results demonstrate that patients treated with nedocromil sodium showed statistically significant improvements during the primary time period (mean weeks 3 through 8) over placebo-treated patients as evidenced by all indexes of asthma symptoms, pulmonary function measures, and decreased bronchodilator reliance (p<0.05). Patients treated with cromolyn sodium demonstrated similar improvements over placebo-treated patients. Comparisons between nedocromil sodium and cromolyn sodium showed the two agents to be comparable in this group of primarily allergic patients with reversible disease. Between-group differences were noted for 3 of the 13 variables (nighttime asthma, FEV1, and forced expiratory flow rate between 25 % and 75% of the FVC) in favor of cromolyn sodium when the data were pooled during the primary time period. The number of patients missing 1 or more days from work/school/regular activity due to asthma was significantly fewer compared with placebo, and favoring nedocromil sodium over cromolyn sodium. No differences were observed among the three treatments for adverse events. This study demonstrated that in primarily allergic patients with reversible airways disease, nedocromil sodium and cromolyn sodium are both significantly more effective than placebo for treatment of mild-to-moderate asthma.

Nedocromil sodium. An updated review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy in asthma

Nedocromil sodium, the disodium salt of a pyranoquinoline dicarboxylic acid, has anti-inflammatory properties in vitro, in animal models of asthma, and in humans, as evidenced by inhibition of inflammatory cell activation and mediator release, early and late allergen-induced bronchoconstriction and airway hyperresponsiveness. Recent therapeutic trials confirm the safety and efficacy of inhaled nedocromil sodium as adjunctive therapy in adult patients whose asthma is not adequately controlled by beta-agonists alone. Nedocromil sodium has also been shown to improve symptoms when added to existing treatment with methylxanthines and corticosteroids. Some studies show nedocromil sodium to be successful replacement therapy for methylxanthines, in addition to enabling a modest reduction in inhaled corticosteroids in some patients. Thus, nedocromil sodium may be suitable in patients with asthma as an adjunct to existing therapy, as an alternative to regularly administered oral and inhaled beta-agonists and oral methyl-xanthines, and potentially, to low dose inhaled corticosteroids as maintenance therapy in patients with mild to moderate asthma being considered for corticosteroid therapy.

The effect of respiratory manoeuvres and pharmacological agents on the pharmacokinetics of nedocromil sodium after inhalation

1. Eight healthy subjects inhaled nedocromil sodium from a metered-dose inhaler using a standardised inspiratory technique. Blood samples were taken for up to 270 min after inhalation for radioimmunoassay of plasma nedocromil sodium concentrations. 2. To investigate the possibility that respiratory manoeuvres can alter the absorption of the drug from the lungs, on the first (control) study day at 70 min after dosing, subjects performed nine forced expiratory manoeuvres over a 3 min period. At 110 min after dosing, subjects took a slow, full inspiration with a 30 s breath-hold, and at 150 min after dosing the subjects performed one single forced expiration. 3. On the second study day, subjects inhaled methoxamine, 0.15 mg kg-1 of a 20 mg ml-1 solution at 60 min after dosing, and the study continued as above. On the third day, subjects repeated the sequence of respiratory manoeuvres, after having taken phenoxymethyl penicillin and probenecid by mouth for 48 h. 4. Both multiple forced expirations and the deep inspiration with breath-hold produced significant increases in the absorption of nedocromil sodium. Inhaled methoxamine did not alter airway calibre or the response to the respiratory manoeuvres. Probenecid, but not penicillin, was detected in the subjects' plasma, and had the effect of increasing the rise in plasma nedocromil sodium concentrations after the multiple forced expirations when compared with the control day. 5. These data suggest that disruption of epithelial tight junctions induced by the respiratory manoeuvres leads to enhanced paracellular transport of nedocromil sodium into the draining circulation of the airways and alveoli.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mechanistic aspects of cromolyn sodium action on the alveolar macrophage: inhibition of stimulation by soluble agonists

Despite wide use of the drug cromolyn sodium, its mechanism of action remains unknown. The alveolar macrophage plays a major role in the regulation of the inflammatory responses of the lung which may contribute to asthma. Since the biochemical mechanism by which agonists stimulate the alveolar macrophage to produce superoxide anion has been described, the effects of cromolyn sodium on this process were examined. Cromolyn sodium (0.5-4 mM) reversibly blocked macrophage stimulation by formyl peptide and leukotriene B4, but not by phorbol diester and concanavalin A. Cromolyn sodium inhibition was not calcium dependent and could be reversed by increasing the dose of agonist. Cromolyn sodium did not elevate intracellular cAMP, nor did the characteristics of inhibition resemble those observed using cAMP to inhibit agonist stimulation. However, cromolyn sodium did block agonist-mediated stimulation of the phosphatidylinositol (PI) pathway. Taken together, the present results suggest that one site of action of cromolyn sodium may be at the GTP-binding protein of the PI pathway.

Inhibition of neutrophil and eosinophil induced chemotaxis by nedocromil sodium and sodium cromoglycate

1. Neutrophils and eosinophils infiltrate the airways in association with the allergen-induced late phase asthmatic reaction. Mobilization of these cells takes place via lipid-like and protein-like chemotactic factors. In this study platelet-activating factor (PAF), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), zymosan-activated serum (ZAS) and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) were used as illustrative examples of both groups. Chemotaxis was studied in human neutrophils and eosinophils. The inhibitory effects of nedocromil sodium and sodium cromoglycate were evaluated. 2. All chemotactic factors tested attracted neutrophils with the following rank order of activity: ZAS greater than PAF identical to FMLP identical to LTB4. Eosinophils were only mobilized by PAF, LTB4 and ZAS with the following rank order of activity: ZAS greater than PAF greater than LTB4. 3. Nedocromil sodium and sodium cromoglycate were equally active as the PAF antagonist BN 52021 in inhibiting the PAF-induced chemotaxis of neutrophils (IC50 approximately 10(-8) M). Both drugs were also equally active in inhibiting the chemotaxis of neutrophils induced by ZAS (IC50 approximately 10(-7)-10(-6) M), FMLP (IC50 approximately 10(-7) M) and LTB4 (IC50 approximately 10(-6) M). 4. Nedocromil sodium significantly inhibited the chemotaxis of eosinophils induced by PAF (IC50 approximately 10(-6) M) and LTB4 (IC50 approximately 10(-7) M). The inhibitory potency of BN 52021 was similar to that of nedocromil sodium on the PAF-induced chemotaxis of eosinophils. Sodium cromoglycate was incapable of eliciting significant inhibition of these chemotactic responses. However, sodium cromoglycate significantly inhibited the chemotaxis of eosinophils induced by ZAS (IC50 approximately 10(-7) M), whereas nedocromil sodium was ineffective.

The protective efficacy of inhaled, oral and intravenous nedocromil sodium against adenosine-5'-monophosphate-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic volunteers

We have investigated the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nedocromil sodium administered by inhalation (4 mg), by mouth (80 mg) and by intravenous infusion (6 micrograms/kg) against adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP) induced bronchoconstriction in 9 mildly asthmatic subjects. Their mean baseline FEV1 was 83.8% of the predicted value, geometric mean (GM) PC20 FEV1 histamine 0.33 mg/ml (range 0.03-4.0), and GM PC50 baseline sGaw AMP 4.37 mg/ml (range 0.158-26.38). Blood collected at intervals for up to 4 h after drug administration was assayed for nedocromil sodium by radioimmunoassay, to derive the maximal drug concentration (Cmax), concentration at time of AMP challenge (Cchall), area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC), and the mean residence time (MRT). Airways responsiveness to inhaled AMP was assessed before and after administration of nedocromil sodium by each of the three routes of administration, and the protective efficacy was expressed as the concentration ratio (CR). AMP challenge was carried out 60 min after inhaled nedocromil sodium, 120 min after drug ingestion and 75 min after the start of the intravenous infusion. The GM PC50 sGaw AMP determined after inhaled, oral and intravenous nedocromil sodium was 28.84, 7.24 and 7.94 mg/ml respectively. For the group as a whole, nedocromil sodium by the oral or intravenous routes produced little overall protection against AMP (CR increasing by 0.75 and 0.88 doubling dilutions respectively). However, with inhaled drug, the concentration response curve with AMP was displaced to the right achieving an increased CR of 2.71 doubling dilutions. No relationship could be established between baseline FEV1, and AUC, Cmax or Cchall, or between these indices and the protective efficacy for the drug.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)