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Lung permeability in smokers after ambroxol treatment
A Mistretta1, N Crimi, F Palermo
1Institute of Respiratory Diseases, University of Catania, Italy.
Respiration; International Review of Thoracic Diseases
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Ambroxol, a surfactant stimulant, did not significantly alter lung epithelial permeability (LEP) in healthy smokers over 30 days. This study investigated its potential to improve lung health in this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Cigarette smoking is linked to lung diseases, with the surfactant system potentially involved.
- Ambroxol is known to enhance surfactant production.
- Lung epithelial permeability (LEP) is a marker for lung health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of Ambroxol on LEP in healthy male smokers.
- To determine if Ambroxol can modulate lung barrier function in individuals exposed to smoking.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted.
- Twenty male smokers (≥15 cigarettes/day for 10 years) received Ambroxol (75 mg/day) or placebo for 30 days.
- Lung permeability was measured using 99mTc-DTPA aerosol inhalation and scintigraphy, with LEP expressed as T50 clearance time.
Main Results:
- Placebo administration did not significantly change LEP from baseline (T50: 18.49 min vs. 19.57 min).
- Ambroxol treatment showed a trend towards increased LEP (T50: 16.41 min vs. 18.36 min), indicating a potential decrease in permeability.
- The observed decrease in LEP with Ambroxol was not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Ambroxol treatment did not yield a significant change in lung epithelial permeability in healthy smokers.
- While a trend towards decreased LEP was observed in some subjects, further investigation is warranted.
- The role of Ambroxol in modulating lung epithelial function in smokers requires more extensive research.