Inflammatory mediator modulation by Short- and Long-Acting β2 Agonists in Induced Bronchial Asthma in Rats

Abstract

Background: Bronchial asthma is an inflammatory lung disease characterized by hyper-responsiveness and bronchoconstriction. Beta2 agonists are bronchodilator drugs that possess anti-inflammatory properties. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of short-acting (salbutamol) and long-acting(bambuterol) as beta 2 agonists combination. Also, the effect of these drugs, singly and in combination with prednisolone was measured in asthma-induced rats in both lung tissue and broncho-alveolar lavage. Materials and Methods:Wistar rats were sensitized with intraperitoneal (I.P) administration of ovalbumin/Al(OH)3, twenty days later, animals were treated orally with salbutamol 2mg/kg or bambuterol 10 mg/kg or prednisolone 3mg/kg or a combination. Results: Ovalbumin/Al(OH)3-sensitized rats showed a significant elevation in inflammatory mediators (IL-4, MIP1α, PGE2, TNFα) and other oxidative parameters such as MDA, NO in both lung tissue and bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL). Moreover, salbutamol and bambuterol decreased inflammatory mediators and alleviated oxidative stress. These inhibitory effects were greatest when both short and long-acting β2 agonists were used in combination. Also, co-administration of β2 agonists with prednisolone revealed pronounced decreases in all parameters compared to β2 agonists alone. Conclusion: The combined therapy of salbutamol and bambuterol has an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect on the experimentally induced asthma in both BAL fluids and lung tissues. Also, these drugs in combination with prednisolone possess greater inhibitory effects on inflammatory mediators.