Atorvastatin in combination with inhaled beclometasone modulates inflammatory sputum mediators in smokers with asthma

Thomson, N. C., Charron, C. E., Chaudhuri, R. , Spears, M., Ito, K. and McSharry, C. (2015) Atorvastatin in combination with inhaled beclometasone modulates inflammatory sputum mediators in smokers with asthma. Pulmonary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 31, pp. 1-8. (doi: 10.1016/j.pupt.2015.01.001) (PMID:25595138)

Abstract

Background Statins have pleiotropic immunomodulatory effects that may be beneficial in the treatment of asthma. We previously reported that treatment with atorvastatin improved asthma symptoms in smokers with asthma in the absence of a change in the concentration of a selection of sputum inflammatory mediators.<p></p> Objective To determine the effects of atorvastatin alone and in combination with inhaled corticosteroid on a range of sputum cytokines, chemokines and growth factors implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma, and their association with asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) and/or asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) scores.<p></p> Methods Sputum samples were analysed from a sub-group of 39 smokers with mild to moderate asthma recruited to a randomised controlled trial comparing atorvastatin (40 mg/day) versus placebo for four weeks, followed by inhaled beclometasone (400 μg/day) for a further four weeks. Induced sputum supernatant fluid was analysed (Luminex or biochemical analyses) for concentrations of 35 mediators.<p></p> Results Sputum mediator concentrations were not reduced by inhaled beclometasone alone. Atorvastatin significantly reduced sputum concentrations of CCL7, IL-12p70, sCD40L, FGF-2, CCL4, TGF-α and MMP-8 compared with placebo and, when combined with inhaled beclometasone, reduced sputum concentrations of MMP-8, IL-1β, IL-10, MMP-9, sCD40L, FGF-2, IL-7, G-CSF and CCL7 compared to ICS alone. Improvements in ACQ and/or AQLQ scores with atorvastatin and ICS were associated with decreases in G-CSF, IL-7, CCL2 and CXCL8.<p></p> Conclusion Short-term treatment with atorvastatin alone or in combination with inhaled beclometasone reduces several sputum cytokines, chemokines and growth factors concentrations unresponsive to inhaled corticosteroids alone, in smokers with asthma.<p></p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Thomson, Professor Neil and Spears, Dr Mark and Chaudhuri, Dr Rekha and McSharry, Dr Charles
• Authors: Thomson, N. C., Charron, C. E., Chaudhuri, R., Spears, M., Ito, K., and McSharry, C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Pulmonary Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 1094-5539
• ISSN (Online): 1522-9629