Targeting remodeling in respiratory inflammation.
Chronic asthma causes considerable morbidity, mortality and utilization of healthcare resources. The fact that asthma still causes such problems despite the widespread use of anti-inflammatory treatment suggests that new approaches are needed. Airways in chronic asthma are characterized by considerable remodeling which affects a number of structures, particularly airway smooth muscle and changes in airway smooth muscle thickness may be one of the most important determinants of bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Here we suggest new approaches that might be used to target smooth muscle remodeling in asthma.
Knox
A J
AJ
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK. alan.knox@nottingham.ac.uk
Pang
L
L
Zhu
Y M
YM
D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects