Anti-inflammatory effects of extrafine beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol aerosol (Foster) on rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The aim of the study was to evaluate anti-inflammatory effects of extrafine aerosol of beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol (Foster) in a model of COPD. Methods . A model of COPD was developed in rats using 60-day intermittent exposure to nitrogen dioxide. Then, within 30 days, a test group was treated with inhaled Foster, and a control group was treated with placebo. Cytokines and enzymes, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), and surfactant proteins B and D (SP-B and SP-D) were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) using ELISA method. Histological examination of lung tissue samples was also performed. Results . Neutrophil and lymphocyte numbers, and concentrations of proinflammatory mediators increased significantly in BALF of the control group. Bronchial epithelium damage was associated with deterioration in production of SP-B, SP-D, and sIgA by bronchial epithelial cells. Treatment with Foster was related to a clear decrease in neutrophilic and lymphocytic inflammation and normalization of BALF pro-inflammatory cytokine and enzyme levels. The injured bronchial and alveolar epithelium repaired; this was associated with improvement in the production of sIgA, SP-B and SP-D by epithelial cell. Conclusion . The treatment with extra-fine aerosol of Foster was associated with significant decrease in inflammation and activation of lung repair in COPD rat model. This could result in improvement in immune defense and production of sIgA, SP-B and SP-D by bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells.