Changes of TNF-a level in bronchoalveolar fluid of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease before and after the 30 days treatment with tiotropium bromide

Abstract

Background. Bronchodilators are the first line approach to treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Tiotropium bromide is a long-acting anticholinergic bronchodilator that maintains bronchodilation for at least 24 hours, allowing once-daily administration. Aim: To study the levels and roles of TNF-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in patients with COPD before and after the treatment with tiotropium bromide for 30 days. Methods: The TNF-α levels in BALF were investigated in 45 COPD patients before and after treatment with tiotropium bromide for 30 days and in 15 healthy volunteers (control group) using ELISA. Results: The bronchoalveolar TNF-α levels of COPD group before treatment were significantly higher in 1,98 times (36,29±0,14) pg/ml, comparing with healthy volunteers with the level (18,26±1,74) pg/ml. After 30 days treatment with tiotropium bromide level of bronchoalveolar TNF-α decreased in 1,32 times to (27,40±0,39) pg/ml, comparing with the data before treatment. Conclusions: Elevated levels of TNF-α in COPD patients is an evidence of persistent inflammation in the airways. Reduced level of TNF-α during 30-days treatment with tiotropium bromide may indicate the anti-inflammatory properties of this medication.