Background
The effects of anti-inflammatory drugs in COPD patients may vary between different cell types. The
Conclusion
We observed variable corticosteroid and p38 MAPK inhibitor anti-inflammatory responses within the same individual depending on the cell type studied. These findings support the use of multiple anti-inflammatory strategies in COPD patients due to differences between cell types.
Methods
Eight healthy smokers, 16 COPD infrequent exacerbators, and 16 frequent COPD exacerbators (≥2 exacerbations in the last year) were recruited for bronchoscopy and blood sampling. The anti-inflammatory effects of budesonide and AZD7624 were assessed on cytokine release from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated alveolar macrophages and peripheral blood mononuclear cells and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid-stimulated bronchial epithelial cells.
Results
The anti-inflammatory effects of budesonide varied greatly within a patient according to the cell type studied. Bronchial epithelial cells showed the lowest sensitivity to budesonide, while peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed the greatest sensitivity. AZD7624 had a greater effect than budesonide on cytokine production from bronchial epithelial cells. Exacerbation frequency did not influence corticosteroid sensitivity.