Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
13:38
Synthesis and Characterization of an Aspirin-fumarate Prodrug that Inhibits NFκB Activity and Breast Cancer Stem Cells
Published on: January 18, 2017
Anti-inflammatory dimethylfumarate: a potential new therapy for asthma?
1Pulmonary Cell Research, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Hebelstraße 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.
Mediators of Inflammation
|April 23, 2013
Summary
Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) may offer a novel asthma therapy by inhibiting airway smooth muscle cell proliferation and cytokine release. This research explores DMF
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease characterized by airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) hypertrophy and hyperplasia.
- ASMCs in asthma patients release chemokines, attracting immune cells and contributing to airway inflammation and remodeling.
- Current asthma treatments manage symptoms but do not cure the disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) as a novel therapeutic agent for asthma.
- To evaluate the in vitro effects of DMF on ASMC proliferation and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies were conducted using airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs).
- The effects of Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) on ASMC proliferation were assessed.
- DMF's impact on the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by ASMCs was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) demonstrated an inhibitory effect on airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) proliferation in vitro.
- DMF also inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by ASMCs.
Conclusions:
- Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) shows potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for asthma.
- Its ability to inhibit ASMC proliferation and cytokine secretion warrants further investigation for asthma treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:19Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:17Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Lower respiratory tract disorders present challenges that often require skilled and nuanced approaches for effective management. Common ailments, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have prompted the development of intricate treatment strategies involving bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, each tailored to ease breathing and revitalize the lungs.
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
01:24Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines
Theophylline, a member of the methylxanthine class of bronchodilators, has long been used in asthma management. While its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed to have multiple effects on various cellular processes.
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.