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Siora A, Vontetsianos A, Chynkiamis N, Anagnostopoulou C, Bartziokas K, Anagnostopoulos N, Rovina N, Bakakos P, Papaioannou AI. Small airways in asthma: From inflammation and pathophysiology to treatment response. Respir Med 2024; 222:107532. [PMID: 38228215 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Small airways are characterized as those with an inner diameter less than 2 mm and constitute a major site of pathology and inflammation in asthma disease. It is estimated that small airways dysfunction may occur before the emergence of noticeable symptoms, spirometric abnormalities and imaging findings, thus characterizing them as "the quiet or silent zone" of the lungs. Despite their importance, measuring and quantifying small airways dysfunction presents a considerable challenge due to their inaccessibility in usual functional measurements, primarily due to their size and peripheral localization. Several pulmonary function tests have been proposed for the assessment of the small airways, including impulse oscillometry, nitrogen washout, body plethysmography, as well as imaging methods. Nevertheless, none of these methods has been established as the definitive "gold standard," thus, a combination of them should be used for an effective assessment of the small airways. Widely used asthma treatments seem to also affect several parameters of the small airways. Emerging biologic treatments show promising results in reducing small airways inflammation and remodelling, providing evidence for potential alterations in the disease's progression and outcomes. These novel therapies have implications not only in the clinical aspects of asthma but also in its inflammatory and functional aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Siora
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Sotiria Chest Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - Angelos Vontetsianos
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Sotiria Chest Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Chynkiamis
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Sotiria Chest Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Anagnostopoulou
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Sotiria Chest Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Nektarios Anagnostopoulos
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Sotiria Chest Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikoletta Rovina
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Sotiria Chest Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Bakakos
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Sotiria Chest Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Andriana I Papaioannou
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Sotiria Chest Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Ciprandi G, Schiavetti I. Role of FEF25-75 in characterizing outpatients with asthma in clinical practice. Allergol Select 2024; 8:12-17. [PMID: 38249817 PMCID: PMC10795488 DOI: 10.5414/alx02453e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is characterized by variable airflow limitation. FEF25-75 has been proposed as a reliable marker for bronchial obstruction, especially when FEV1 and FEV1/FVC are normal. OBJECTIVES To investigate the role of FEF25-75 in patients with asthma seen in clinical settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS The cross-sectional study included 439 (181 females and 255 males; mean age 39 years) outpatients with asthma who consecutively visited an allergy clinic for a routine assessment. History, physical examination, asthma control, and spirometry were evaluated. RESULTS FEF25-75 was impaired (< 65% of predicted) in 136 (31%) outpatients. Considering only subjects with normal FEV1 and FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75 was impaired in 71 (19.6%) subjects. In this subset, impaired FEF25-75 was associated with low FEV1 and FEV1/FVC values (OR 0.91 and 0.85, respectively), and presence of asthma symptoms (OR 2.19). CONCLUSION FEF25-75 deserves adequate and careful consideration in patients with asthma and normal FEV1 and FEV1/FVC, as the presence of impaired FEF25-75 in this subset suggests a more specific approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Ciprandi
- Allergy Clinic, Department of Outpatients, Casa di Cura Villa Montallegro, and
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Dighriri IM, Alnughaythir AI, Albesisi AA, Alhuwaimel DI, Alotaibi AS, Alghowaidi LA, Almalki FH, Al-Bukhari JN, Alshammari TR, Alwathnani FH, Alghamdi AA, Alghamdi AA, Alshehri SD, Mahnashi NY, Abu Jamilah HA. Efficacy and Safety of Mepolizumab in the Management of Severe Eosinophilic Asthma: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e49781. [PMID: 38161547 PMCID: PMC10757760 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) is characterized by persistent airway inflammation and frequent exacerbations despite standard treatments. Mepolizumab, a monoclonal antibody that reduces eosinophil levels by targeting interleukin-5, has emerged as an add-on therapy for patients with SEA. This systematic review evaluated mepolizumab's efficacy and safety for treating SEA. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases. Thirty-two studies with over 6,000 patients were included, comprising randomized controlled trials, open-label extensions, and real-world observational analyses. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using standard tools. Meta-analysis was deemed inappropriate due to heterogeneity. Instead, a narrative synthesis was performed. Mepolizumab significantly reduced exacerbation rates by around 50% and improved symptoms and lung function compared to placebo in pivotal trials. Long-term open-label studies showed sustained reductions in exacerbations and stable lung function for up to 4.5 years. Real-world data demonstrated consistent 50%-90% exacerbation decreases across diverse patient populations over 6-24 months. Mepolizumab exhibited an acceptable safety profile, with mild injection site reactions and headaches as most common adverse events. While specific subgroups may show enhanced responses, mepolizumab displayed broad efficacy regardless of patient demographics or phenotypes. The extensive evidence provides robust support for mepolizumab as an efficacious and safe add-on treatment option for patients with severe, refractory eosinophilic asthma. Further high-quality comparative effectiveness research is warranted to optimize patient selection and positioning among emerging biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ali A Alghamdi
- Department of Pharmacy, Prince Mishari Bin Saud Hospital, Baljurashi, SAU
| | | | - Nora Y Mahnashi
- Department of Community Pharmacy, Al-Amal Hospital, Jazan, SAU
| | - Hassan A Abu Jamilah
- Pharmaceutical Care Administration, Sharurah Armed Forces Hospital, Sharurah, SAU
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Strauss R, Leflein H, Kolesar A, Hammel J. Long-Term Efficacy and Safety Among Patients With Severe Eosinophilic Asthma Treated With Mepolizumab and Its Effect on Small Airways. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:3670-3679.e2. [PMID: 37572752 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The major problem at the Cleveland Allergy and Asthma Center was the need for additional therapy for severe eosinophilic asthma patients who were steroid-dependent or required frequent bursts of prednisone. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy of monthly mepolizumab (MP) injections up to 6½ years using Asthma Control Quesitonnaire-7 (ACQ-7), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced expiratory flow at 25% to 75% (FEF25%-75%) overall and among super-responders, and to understand whether FEF25%-75% is an effective parameter to evaluate MP efficacy. METHODS We reviewed the charts of 67 patients with severe eosinophilic asthma and compared the results between 47 super-responders and the rest of the cohort regarding ACQ-6, ACQ-7, eosinophils, FEV1, and FEF25%-75%. The groups of super-responders and all other patients were described with respect to initial and current values of the study end points using medians and 25th and 75th percentiles. Changes from the initial to the current values in the study end points were measured using percent changes. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used within each group to test the null hypothesis of 0 median percent change. RESULTS After 6½ years, there were no significant changes in FEV1. The FEF25%-75%, had a significant median percent increase of 40% among the super-responders (P < .001), which was substantially higher (P = .026) than the median percent increase of 13.8% observed among all other patients. CONCLUSIONS The use of MP up to 6½ years was safe and effective, with significant changes to ACQ-7 and FEF25%-75% associated with MP treatment, but not the FEV1. A higher magnitude of changes was observed among super-responders than the rest of the cohort. Changes in FEF25%-75% were more meaningful than changes in FEV1 in evaluating pulmonary function responsiveness of severe eosinophilic asthma to MP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Strauss
- Cleveland Allergy and Asthma Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
| | - Hannah Leflein
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Allergy and Asthma Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Anna Kolesar
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Allergy and Asthma Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jeffrey Hammel
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Allergy and Asthma Center, Cleveland, Ohio
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Pelaia C, Pelaia G, Maglio A, Tinello C, Gallelli L, Lombardo N, Terracciano R, Vatrella A. Pathobiology of Type 2 Inflammation in Asthma and Nasal Polyposis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12103371. [PMID: 37240477 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12103371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma and nasal polyposis often coexist and are frequently intertwined by tight pathogenic links, mainly consisting of the cellular and molecular pathways underpinning type 2 airway inflammation. The latter is characterized by a structural and functional impairment of the epithelial barrier, associated with the eosinophilic infiltration of both the lower and upper airways, which can be driven by either allergic or non-allergic mechanisms. Type 2 inflammatory changes are predominantly due to the biological actions exerted by interleukins 4 (IL-4), 13 (IL-13), and 5 (IL-5), produced by T helper 2 (Th2) lymphocytes and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2). In addition to the above cytokines, other proinflammatory mediators involved in the pathobiology of asthma and nasal polyposis include prostaglandin D2 and cysteinyl leukotrienes. Within this context of 'united airway diseases', nasal polyposis encompasses several nosological entities such as chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Because of the common pathogenic origins of asthma and nasal polyposis, it is not surprising that the more severe forms of both these disorders can be successfully treated by the same biologic drugs, targeting many molecular components (IgE, IL-5 and its receptor, IL-4/IL-13 receptors) of the type 2 inflammatory trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giulia Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angelantonio Maglio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
| | - Caterina Tinello
- Pediatrics Unit, Provincial Outpatient Center of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luca Gallelli
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Lombardo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosa Terracciano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
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Effectiveness of Benralizumab in OCS-Dependent Severe Asthma: The Impact of 2 Years of Therapy in a Real-Life Setting. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030985. [PMID: 36769635 PMCID: PMC9918073 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with severe OCS-dependent asthma can be considered a subgroup of asthma patients with severe disease and great risk of complications, related to chronic OCS use. The introduction of biological drugs has represented a turning point in the therapeutic strategy for severe asthma, offering a valid alternative to OCS. Benralizumab, like other anti-IL-5 agents, has been shown to reduce exacerbations and OCS intake/dosage and improve symptom control and lung function. While these findings have also been confirmed in real-life studies, data on long-term efficacy are still limited. METHODS In this retrospective study, we evaluated the effects of 2 years of treatment with benralizumab on 44 patients with OCS-dependent severe asthma by analyzing clinical, biological and functional data. RESULTS After 2 years of benralizumab, 59.4% discontinued OCS and patients who continued to use OCS had their mean dose reduced by approximately 85% from baseline. Meanwhile, 85% of patients had their asthma well-controlled (ACT score > 20) and had no exacerbations, and 41.6% had normal lung function. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the long-term effectiveness of benralizumab in severe OCS-dependent asthma in a real-life setting, suggesting potential reductive effects on costs and complications such as adverse pharmacological events.
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Severe Asthma Remissions Induced by Biologics Targeting IL5/IL5r: Results from a Multicenter Real-Life Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032455. [PMID: 36768778 PMCID: PMC9916787 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Add-on biological therapy has proven to be effective in many patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. In this observational multicenter retrospective study, we report the results obtained with mepolizumab and benralizumab in severe asthmatics treated for 12 months in a real-life setting. In these patients, peripheral eosinophil levels, pulmonary function trends, exacerbation rates, systemic corticosteroid use, and symptom control were evaluated during the observation period, to understand which patients met all the criteria in order to be considered in disease remission. The percentage of remittent patients was 30.12% in the mepolizumab-treated subgroup, while in the benralizumab-treated subgroup, patients in complete disease remission were 40%, after 12 months. The results of this study confirm the efficacy of anti-IL-5 biologic drugs in the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma in a real-life setting.
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Rojo-Tolosa S, González-Gutiérrez MV, Jiménez-Gálvez G, Sánchez-Martínez JA, Pineda-Lancheros LE, Gálvez-Navas JM, Jiménez-Morales A, Pérez-Ramírez C, Morales-García C. Impact of Anti-IL5 Therapies on Patients with Severe Uncontrolled Asthma and Possible Predictive Biomarkers of Response: A Real-Life Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032011. [PMID: 36768331 PMCID: PMC9917054 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Uncontrolled Asthma (SUA) counts for more than 25% of cases of severe asthma. The main factors that impair the quality of life of these patients are high doses of oral corticosteroids, the presence of exacerbations, and reduced lung function. The objective of this study was to evaluate, in real life, the clinical improvement of patients with SUA treated with anti-interleukin 5 (IL5) therapies: mepolizumab and benralizumab, together with the search for biomarkers associated with the response. We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study that included patients with severe uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma in a tertiary hospital receiving biological therapies. Three types of response were evaluated: improvement in lung function, reduction in exacerbations, and decrease in the use of oral corticosteroids. After 12 months of treatment, significant reductions were found in the number of exacerbations, the use of oral corticosteroids, and blood eosinophil levels for both biological therapies (p < 0.001). Lung function improved, achieving a significant improvement in %FEV1 (p < 0.001), as well as asthma control, with a significant increase in asthma control test (ACT) scores in both therapies. The markers associated with the corticosteroid-saving effect were the low doses of oral corticosteroids and absence of exacerbations for mepolizumab, and higher blood eosinophilia, absence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and reduction in oral corticosteroid cycles for benralizumab. The greatest improvement in lung function in both therapies was linked to lower previous FEV1 levels and absence of other respiratory diseases. The reduction in exacerbations was associated with absence of exacerbations the previous year for mepolizumab and never smokers for benralizumab. The results of this real-life study confirm the clinical benefit obtained after the introduction of an anti-IL5 biological therapy and the possible predictive biomarkers of response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Rojo-Tolosa
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Pharmacy Service, Pharmacogenetics Unit, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (S.R.-T.); (L.E.P.-L.)
| | | | - Gonzalo Jiménez-Gálvez
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | | | - Laura Elena Pineda-Lancheros
- Pharmacy Service, Pharmacogenetics Unit, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (S.R.-T.); (L.E.P.-L.)
| | - José María Gálvez-Navas
- Pharmacy Service, Pharmacogenetics Unit, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Center of Biomedical Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology “José Mataix”, University of Granada, Avda. del Conocimiento s/n., 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Alberto Jiménez-Morales
- Pharmacy Service, Pharmacogenetics Unit, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Cristina Pérez-Ramírez
- Center of Biomedical Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology “José Mataix”, University of Granada, Avda. del Conocimiento s/n., 18016 Granada, Spain
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Lombardi C, Cottini M, Berti A, Comberiati P. Monoclonal antibodies targeting small airways: a new perspective for biological therapies in severe asthma. Asthma Res Pract 2022; 8:6. [PMID: 36253809 PMCID: PMC9575249 DOI: 10.1186/s40733-022-00088-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Small airway dysfunction (SAD) in asthma is characterized by the inflammation and narrowing of airways with less of 2 mm in diameter between generations 8 and 23 of the bronchial tree. It is now widely accepted that small airways are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma and are a major determinant of airflow obstruction in this disease. In recent years, specialized tests have been developed, such as Impulse Oscillometry (IOS) and Multiple Breath Nitrogen Washout (MBNW) tests, which have been deemed more accurate in detecting SAD than conventional spirometry. Clinical studies show that SAD is associated with more severe bronchial hyperresponsiveness, worse asthma control, and a higher risk of exacerbations. Recent data from a large cohort study showed that the prevalence of SAD in asthma patients increases with asthma severity. Overall, SAD seems to represent a treatable trait, which makes it appealing for asthma control optimization and exacerbation rate reduction, especially in moderate-to-severe asthma. Biologic agents are now available for the treatment of different severe asthma phenotypes and endotypes. However, the effect of these therapies on SAD remains poorly characterized. Literature showing that biologic agents can also favorably improve small airway function is accumulating. In particular, anti-IL5 agents (mepolizumab and benralizumab) seems to have a greater impact on SAD as compared to other biological agents, but direct comparisons in prospective randomized controlled trials are lacking. In this mini-review article, we address the latest evidence on the effect of biological therapies on SAD in patients with severe asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Lombardi
- Departmental Unit of Pneumology & Allergology, Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, Via Bissolati, 57, 25100, Brescia, Italy. .,Poliambulanza Hospital, Via Leonida Bissolati, 57, 25124, Brescia, Italy.
| | | | - Alvise Berti
- Ospedale Santa Chiara and Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy. .,Santra Chiara Hospital, Largo Medaglie D'Oro, 9, 38121, Trento, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Comberiati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pediatrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Eosinophilic inflammation: An Appealing Target for Pharmacologic Treatments in Severe Asthma. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092181. [PMID: 36140282 PMCID: PMC9496162 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe asthma is characterized by different endotypes driven by complex pathologic mechanisms. In most patients with both allergic and non-allergic asthma, predominant eosinophilic airway inflammation is present. Given the central role of eosinophilic inflammation in the pathophysiology of most cases of severe asthma and considering that severe eosinophilic asthmatic patients respond partially or poorly to corticosteroids, in recent years, research has focused on the development of targeted anti-eosinophil biological therapies; this review will focus on the unique and particular biology of the eosinophil, as well as on the current knowledge about the pathobiology of eosinophilic inflammation in asthmatic airways. Finally, current and prospective anti-eosinophil therapeutic strategies will be discussed, examining the reason why eosinophilic inflammation represents an appealing target for the pharmacological treatment of patients with severe asthma.
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Novel Biological Therapies for Severe Asthma Endotypes. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051064. [PMID: 35625801 PMCID: PMC9138687 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe asthma comprises several heterogeneous phenotypes, underpinned by complex pathomechanisms known as endotypes. The latter are driven by intercellular networks mediated by molecular components which can be targeted by specific monoclonal antibodies. With regard to the biological treatments of either allergic or non-allergic eosinophilic type 2 asthma, currently available antibodies are directed against immunoglobulins E (IgE), interleukin-5 (IL-5) and its receptor, the receptors of interleukins-4 (IL-4) and 13 (IL-13), as well as thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and other alarmins. Among these therapeutic strategies, the best choice should be made according to the phenotypic/endotypic features of each patient with severe asthma, who can thus respond with significant clinical and functional improvements. Conversely, very poor options so far characterize the experimental pipelines referring to the perspective biological management of non-type 2 severe asthma, which thereby needs to be the focus of future thorough research.
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12
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Chan R, Lipworth BJ. Impact of Biologic Therapy on the Small Airways Asthma Phenotype. Lung 2022; 200:691-696. [PMID: 36239786 PMCID: PMC9675679 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-022-00579-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The small airways dysfunction (SAD) asthma phenotype is characterised by narrowing of airways < 2 mm in diameter between generations 8 and 23 of the bronchial tree. Recently, this has become particularly relevant as measurements of small airways using airway oscillometry for example, are strong determinants of asthma control and exacerbations in moderate-to-severe asthma. The small airways can be assessed using spirometry as forced expiratory flow rate between 25 and 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF25-75) and has been deemed more accurate in detecting small airways dysfunction than forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Oscillometry as the heterogeneity in resistance between 5 and 20 Hz (R5-R20), low frequency reactance at 5 Hz (X5) or area under the reactance curve between 5 Hz and the resonant frequency can also be used to assess the small airways. The small airways can also be assessed using the multiple breath nitrogen washout (MBNW) test giving rise to values including functional residual capacity, lung clearance index and ventilation distribution heterogeneity in the conducting (Scond) and the acinar (Sacin) airways. The ATLANTIS group showed that the prevalence of small airways disease in asthma defined on FEF25-75, oscillometry and MBNW all increased with progressive GINA asthma disease stages. As opposed to topical inhaler therapy that might not adequately penetrate the small airways, it is perhaps more intuitive that systemic anti-inflammatory therapy with biologics targeting downstream cytokines and upstream epithelial anti-alarmins may offer a promising solution to SAD. Here we therefore aim to appraise the available evidence for the effect of anti-IgE, anti-IL5 (Rα), anti-IL4Rα, anti-TSLP and anti-IL33 biologics on small airways disease in patients with severe asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory Chan
- Scottish Centre for Respiratory Research, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Brian J Lipworth
- Scottish Centre for Respiratory Research, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 9SY, UK.
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