Interventions and potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction for patients with cough variant asthma progressing into classic asthma

Abstract

Objective To explore the interventions and potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (BYD) for patients with cough variant asthma (CVA) progressing into classic asthma (CA). Methods A total of 180 CVA patients were assigned into three groups (n=60 each) of treatment (BYD plus Budesonide & Formoterol, group A), positive control (Budesonide & Formoterol alone, group B) and negative control (neither BYD nor Budesonide & Formoterol, group C). At 1 year before and after dosing, the serum level of interleukin-5 (IL-5), count of eosinophil (EOS) in induced sputum and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were measured in three groups.At the same time, groups A and B recorded the scores of cough severity and asthma control test (ACT). And correlation study of the changes was performed. Results As compared with group C, treatments of groups A and B could lower the serum level of IL-5 and count of EOS in induced sputum in CVA patients.And improvement of airway inflammation was more rapid in group A. lung functions improved markedly in both groups A and B. And group A improvement was better than group B (P 0.05). However, disease course, serum level of IL-5, EOS count in induced sputum and AHR had statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Conclusions Retrospective analysis reveals that disease course, serum level of IL-5, EOS count in induced sputum and AHR are risk factors of CVA progressing into CA.And BYD may arrest the occurrence of CA, alleviate cough and improve lung and immune functions.Wider popularization is recommended. Key words: Asthma; Inflammation; Traditional chinese medicine