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Overcoming steroid insensitivity in smoking asthmatics
Tehireem Ahmad1, Peter J Barnes, Ian M Adcock
1Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, Airways Disease Section, Dovehouse Street, London, SW3 6LY, UK.
Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs (London, England : 2000)
|May 10, 2008
Summary
Most asthma patients respond to corticosteroids, but smokers often don't. This review explores corticosteroid insensitivity in smoking asthmatics and novel therapy development for this challenging subgroup.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Asthma is typically managed with inhaled corticosteroids, effective for 90-95% of patients.
- A subset of asthmatics, particularly smokers, exhibit corticosteroid resistance.
- Corticosteroid-resistant asthma leads to increased exacerbations and hospitalizations, driving healthcare costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review hypotheses explaining corticosteroid insensitivity in smoking asthmatics.
- To discuss the development of novel therapeutic strategies for this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on corticosteroid resistance in asthma.
- Analysis of mechanisms underlying corticosteroid insensitivity in smokers.
- Exploration of emerging therapeutic targets.
Main Results:
- Cigarette smoking is a significant factor in corticosteroid resistance.
- Several hypotheses explain reduced corticosteroid sensitivity in smokers.
- Novel therapies are being developed to address this specific subgroup.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies are needed for corticosteroid-resistant asthma in smokers.
- Understanding resistance mechanisms can guide future treatment innovations.
- Further research is crucial for effective management of this difficult-to-treat asthma population.
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