Abstract
Background Inhalation therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes beta-adrenergic agonists, M-cholinolytics, and corticosteroids. The drug receptors are expressed in the bronchial smooth muscle, epithelium and macrophages, like as in blood leukocytes.
Our aim was to evaluate ADRB2, CHRM3, and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene expression in blood leukocytes of COPD patients and appropriate controls.
Patients and methods We observed 50 patients with COPD exacerbations (GOLD stage II to III) before and after combined treatment (a 2-week inhalation therapy including Tiotropium bromide, Formoterol, and glucocorticoids). Comparison groups included normal blood donors and COPD-free tobacco smokers. Relative contents of ADRB2-, CHRM3- and GR-encoding mRNAs in blood leukocytes were determined with real-time PCR.
Results Mean expression values for ADRB2 and CHRM3 in blood leukocytes did not differ between the two control groups. Meanwhile, expression of the 3 genes was sufficiently increased in COPD patients, both before and after in-hospital treatment. Significant correlations were revealed between the post-treatment shifts of ADRB2, CHRM3 and GR gene expression, and individual changes in C-reactive protein levels. Decreased CHRM3 expression correlated with post-treatment FEV1 increase.
Conclusion An increased expression of ADRB2, CHRM3 and GR in blood leukocytes of COPD patients receiving inhalation therapy, like as correlations between the drug receptor expression and CRP changes confirms clinical effects of combined treatment in COPD.
- Copyright ©the authors 2016
