Effect of suplatast tosilate on goblet cell metaplasia in patients with asthma

Authors: Hoshino, M.; Fujita, Y.; Saji, J.; Inoue, T.; Nakagawa, T.; Miyazawa, T.

Source: Allergy, Volume 60, Number 11, November 2005 , pp. 1394-1400(7)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content

Abstract:

Background: 

Goblet cell metaplasia is a pathologic characteristic of asthma, associated with excess mucus secretion. Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 plays an important role in mucus hypersecretion. Suplatast tosilate (suplatast), an antiallergic agent, is a Th2 cytokine inhibitor that suppresses the synthesis of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and eosinophilic airway inflammation. Objective: 

We examined the effects of suplatast on mucus production in bronchial biopsy specimens taken from asthmatic subjects. Methods: 

Oral suplatast 300 mg daily, or placebo was administered for 3 months in a double-blind, parallel-group study in 25 patients with asthma. Biopsy specimens were evaluated at before and after treatment for alcian blue/period acid-Schiff (AB/PAS), MUC5AC staining in bronchial epithelium and IL-4+, IL-13+ cells as well as inflammatory cells in lamina propria. Results: 

There were significant decreases in the percentage of AB/PAS (P < 0.01) and MUC5AC (P < 0.01) stained area in the suplatast group. These changes were accompanied by significant decreases in IL-4+ and IL-13+ cells in suplatast-treated subjects. Additionally, we have observed that the number of infiltrating eosinophils and CD4+ T cells significantly decreased. Conclusions: 

These findings suggest that suplatast prevents goblet cell metaplasia through modulation of Th2 cytokine production and the recruitment of eosinophils and CD4+ T cells in the asthmatic airways.

Keywords: airway inflammation; bronchial asthma; goblet cell metaplasia; interleukin-4; interleukin-13; mucus production; suplatast tosilate

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2005.00897.x

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$50.39 plus tax      Refund Policy

 

OR

Back to top

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content
Share this item with others: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Page Help Click here for Page Help
Shopping cart
Tools
Sign in






Need to register?
Sign up here
Text size: A | A | A | A