Do asthma drugs worsen some diseases?

November 22, 2006

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Drugs called beta-agonists --

used in certain inhaled asthma drugs -- might alter the immune

system, U.S. researchers said Friday.

A study done at Wake Forest University School of Medicine showed that

the drugs, as well as similar chemicals produced naturally in the

body, may worsen diseases such as asthma, heart failure and lupus

that involve inflammation.

" Inhaled beta-agonists are very effective in opening up airways and

allowing asthmatics to breathe, but their ability to address the

underlying inflammation that causes most asthma has been debated for

years, " said researcher Penn, an associate professor in the

Department of Internal Medicine and the Center for Human Genomics.

The study found that beta-agonists appear to increase the

accumulation of type 2 T cells, a type of white blood cell that

participates in immune system defense mechanisms.

In diseases like asthma and lupus, an over-reactive type 2 T cell

response occurs and is thought to be a contributing factor in the

disease.

The researchers said they were " surprised " to find that the drugs

promoted a preferential accumulation of type 2 T cells.

" Although further research is needed to confirm that these findings

occur in the human body, our research points to an important means by

which the immune system is regulated by both therapies and the

hormonal system, " Penn said. " From an asthma management standpoint,

these studies further emphasize the need to include anti-inflammatory

corticosteroids when treating moderate to severe asthma. "

Recommended Posts