[Novel perspectives of COPD pharmacotherapy: focus on neutrophils].
Inflammation in COPD is characterized by an increased presence and activation of airway neutrophils. However, since currently available treatment options have only limited effects on neutrophilic airway inflammation, great efforts are undertaken to develop novel therapies targeting the neutrophilic component of inflammation in COPD. The present review discusses the rationale for anti-neutrophilic treatment in COPD and provides a critical overview of recent developments in drug therapy. Moreover, open questions and limitations of clinical trials including choice of adequate outcome parameters for proof-of-concept studies with putative anti-neutrophilic drugs and potential safety issues are summarized.
Beier
J
J
Insaf Institut für Atemwegsforschung, Wiesbaden. j.beier@insaf-wi.de
Beeh
K M
KM
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D002634:Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology; D018942:Macrolides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D000975:Antioxidants; D018942:Macrolides; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha