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The effects of asthma medications on reactive oxygen species production in human monocytes
Ming-Kai Tsai1, Yi-Ching Lin2,3,4,5, Ming-Yii Huang6
1a Division of Nephrology, Department of internal Medicine , Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital , Kaohsiung , Taiwan.
Objective:
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease induced by many environmental factors. The inhalation of allergens and pollutants promotes the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to airway inflammation, hyper-responsiveness, and remodeling in allergic asthma. The effects of asthma medications on ROS production are unclear. The present study investigated the anti-ROS effects of current asthma medications including inhaled corticosteroid (ICS; budesonide and fluticasone), leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA; montelukast), long-acting β2 agonists (LABAs; salmeterol and formoterol), and a new extra-LABA (indacaterol).
Methods:
The human monocyte cell line THP-1 cells were pre-treated with different concentrations of the asthma medications at different time points after hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) stimulation. H2O2 production was measured with DCFH-DA by flow cytometry.
Results:
Montelukast, fluticasone, and salmeterol suppressed H2O2-induced ROS production. Indacaterol enhanced H2O2-induced ROS production. Budesonide and formoterol alone had no anti-ROS effects, but the combination of these two drugs significantly suppressed H2O2-induced ROS production.
Conclusions:
Different asthma medications have different anti-ROS effects on monocytes. The combination therapy with LABA and ICS seemed not to be the only choice for asthma control. Montelukast may also be a good supplemental treatment for the poorly controlled asthma because of its powerful anti-ROS effects. Our findings provide a novel therapeutic view in asthma.
Insights
Certain asthma medications, like montelukast and fluticasone, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in monocytes. Combination therapy with long-acting beta-agonists and inhaled corticosteroids also shows anti-ROS effects, offering new asthma treatment insights.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease.
- Environmental factors like allergens and pollutants trigger reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
- ROS contribute to airway inflammation, hyper-responsiveness, and remodeling in allergic asthma.
- The impact of current asthma medications on ROS production is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-ROS effects of various asthma medications.
- To compare the efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA), and long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) on ROS production.
Main Methods:
- Human monocyte THP-1 cells were used.
- Cells were pre-treated with different concentrations of asthma medications.
- ROS production was measured by flow cytometry after hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) stimulation.
Main Results:
- Montelukast (LTRA), fluticasone (ICS), and salmeterol (LABA) suppressed H2O2-induced ROS production.
- Indacaterol (extra-LABA) enhanced ROS production.
- Budesonide (ICS) and formoterol (LABA) alone had no significant anti-ROS effect, but their combination suppressed ROS production.
Conclusions:
- Asthma medications exhibit varying anti-ROS effects on monocytes.
- Combination therapy of LABA and ICS may offer benefits beyond current understanding.
- Montelukast demonstrates potent anti-ROS effects, suggesting its potential as an adjunctive therapy for poorly controlled asthma.
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