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Steroid sparing effects of doxofylline
Yanira Riffo-Vasquez1, Radhakrishnan Venkatasamy1, Clive P Page1
1Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, UK.
Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|October 17, 2017
Summary
Doxofylline, a xanthine drug, effectively reduces the need for glucocorticosteroids in lung inflammation models. This steroid-sparing effect was observed in both allergic and non-allergic lung inflammation, suggesting potential for reduced steroid side effects.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Glucocorticosteroids are essential for asthma and COPD treatment but carry risks like pneumonia.
- Xanthines, such as theophylline, can reduce glucocorticosteroid dependence but have narrow therapeutic windows.
- Doxofylline, a xanthine derivative, offers clinical benefits for asthma/COPD with a wider therapeutic index than theophylline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the steroid-sparing potential of doxofylline in lung inflammation models.
- To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of doxofylline in conjunction with glucocorticosteroids.
Main Methods:
- Utilized allergic and non-allergic mouse models of lung inflammation.
- Administered low-dose doxofylline and dexamethasone (a glucocorticosteroid) alone and in combination.
- Assessed inflammatory cell infiltration (eosinophils and neutrophils) in lung tissue.
Main Results:
- Concomitant low-dose doxofylline and dexamethasone significantly reduced allergen-induced eosinophil infiltration.
- Combined low-dose treatment also decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced neutrophil infiltration.
- The efficacy of the combined low-dose therapy was comparable to higher doses of each individual drug.
Conclusions:
- Doxofylline exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity in the lungs.
- Doxofylline demonstrates a notable steroid-sparing effect, potentially allowing for reduced glucocorticosteroid dosages.
- These findings suggest doxofylline as a valuable adjunct therapy for managing lung inflammation.