Inhaled calcium salts inhibit tobacco smoke-induced inflammation by modulating expression of chemokines and cytokines

Publication date: Available online 22 October 2018Source: Pulmonary Pharmacology & TherapeuticsAuthor(s): Paulette W. Andreotta, Steve Arold, Jennifer Kenyon, Diane Spicer, Paul Woodman, Elizabeth Berry, Tim Brogan, Sophanna Kong, Pamela Okerholm, Vince Russell, Robert W. Clarke, David L. HavaAbstractTobacco smoke-induced lung inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worsens with disease progression and acute exacerbations caused by respiratory infections. Chronic therapies to manage COPD center on bronchodilators to improve lung function and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) to help reduce the risk of exacerbations. Novel therapies are needed that reduce the underlying inflammation associated with COPD and the inflammation resulting from respiratory infections that worsen disease. The lung is lined with airway surface liquid (ASL), a rheologically active material that provides an innate defense for the airway against inhaled particulate and is continuously cleared from the airways by mucociliary clearance. The rheological properties of the ASL can be altered by changes in airway hydration and by cations, such as calcium, that interact with electronegative glycoproteins. The effect of inhaled salts on inflammation resulting from tobacco smoke exposure was studied to determine if cations could be used to alter the properties of the ASL and reduce inflammation. Inhaled calcium salts, but not sodium or magnesium salts, reduced cellular inflammation ...
Source: Pulmonary Pharmacology and Therapeutics - Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research