Malignant melanoma of the rectum presenting as cloacogenic polyp: a case report.

Mucosal malignant melanomas are uncommon. It is rare for a primary mucosal melanoma to occur in the anorectal region. Anorectal polypoid mucosal prolapse however, is a relatively common condition. We report a case of malignant melanoma presenting as mucosal prolapse and inducing changes similar to inflammatory cloacogenic polyp.

The effects of a CCR3 inhibitor, AXP1275, on allergen-induced airway responses in adults with mild-to-moderate atopic asthma.

BACKGROUND: CCR3 is the cognate receptor for major human eosinophil chemoattractants from the eotaxin family of proteins that are elevated in asthma and correlate with disease severity. OBJECTIVE: This proof-of-mechanism study examined the effect of AXP1275, an oral, small-molecule inhibitor of CCR3, on airway responses to inhaled allergen challenge. METHODS: Twenty-one subjects with mild atopic asthma and documented early and late asthmatic responses to an inhaled aeroallergen completed a randomized double-blind cross-over study to compare early and late allergen-induced asthmatic responses, methacholine PC20 , blood and sputum eosinophils and exhaled nitric oxide after 2 weeks of treatment with once-daily doses of AXP1275 (50 mg) or placebo. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in methacholine PC20 after 12 days of AXP1275 treatment compared to placebo (increase of 0.92 doubling doses versus 0.17 doubling doses, P = .01), but this protection was lost post-allergen challenge. There was no effect of AXP1275 on allergen-induced late asthmatic responses, or eosinophils in blood and sputum. The early asthmatic response and exhaled nitric oxide levels were slightly lower with AXP1275, but this did not reach statistical significance. The number of subjects who experienced treatment-emergent adverse events while receiving AXP1275 was comparable placebo. CONCLUSIONS & CLINICAL RELEVANCE: AXP1275 50 mg administered daily was safe and well tolerated, and there was no difference in the type, severity or frequency of treatment-emergent adverse events in subjects while receiving AXP1275 compared to placebo. AXP1275 increased the methacholine PC20 ; however, the low and variable exposure to APX1275 over a short treatment period may have contributed to poor efficacy on other outcomes.

Sputum cytology during late-phase responses to inhalation challenge with different allergens.

BACKGROUND: In mouse models of allergic asthma, exposure to different allergens can trigger distinct inflammatory subtypes in the airways. We investigated whether this observation extends to humans. METHODS: We compared the frequency of sputum inflammatory subtypes between mild allergic asthma subjects (n = 129) exposed to different allergens in inhalation challenge tests. These tests were performed using a standardized protocol as part of clinical trials of experimental treatments for asthma, prior to drug randomization. Five allergen types were represented: the house dust mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, ragweed, grass, and cat. RESULTS: Of 118 individuals with a sputum sample collected before allergen challenge (baseline), 45 (38%) had paucigranulocytic, 51 (43%) eosinophilic, 11 (9%) neutrophilic, and 11 (9%) mixed granulocytic sputum. Of note, most individuals with baseline paucigranulocytic sputum developed eosinophilic (48%) or mixed granulocytic (43%) sputum 7 hours after allergen challenge, highlighting the dynamic nature of sputum inflammatory subtype in asthma. Overall, there was no difference in the frequency of sputum inflammatory subtypes following challenge with different allergen types. Similar results were observed at 24 hours after allergen challenge. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike reported in mice, in humans the sputum inflammatory subtype observed after an allergen-induced asthma exacerbation is unlikely to be influenced by the type of allergen used.

Population pharmacokinetics of teicoplanin and attainment of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic targets in adult patients with haematological malignancy.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the population pharmacokinetics of teicoplanin in adult patients with haematological malignancies receiving higher than standard doses, and to perform Monte Carlo simulations to determine dosing regimens associated with optimal teicoplanin concentrations. METHODS: This was a hospital-based clinical trial (EudraCT 2013-004535-72). Nine blood samples were collected on Day 3, plus single trough samples on Days 7 and 10, and 24 and 48 hours after the last dose. Teicoplanin minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined for Gram-positive isolates from study patients. Population pharmacokinetic analyses and Monte Carlo dosing simulations were undertaken using Pmetrics. RESULTS: Thirty adult haematological malignancy patients were recruited with a mean (SD) loading dose, age, total body weight, and creatinine clearance of 9.5 (1.9) mg/kg, 63 (12) years, 69.1 (15.8) kg, and 72 (41) mL/min, respectively. A three-compartment linear pharmacokinetic model best described the teicoplanin concentration data. Covariates supported for inclusion in the final model were creatinine clearance for clearance and total body weight for volume of the central compartment. The median (IQR) area under the concentration-time curve from 48 to 72 hours (AUC48-72h) was 679 (319) mg.h/L. There was a strong correlation between the AUC48-72h and trough concentration at 72 hours (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.957, p <0.001). Dosing simulations showed that administration of five loading doses at 12-hourly intervals, stratified by total body weight and creatinine clearance, increased the probability of achieving target concentrations within 72 hours. CONCLUSIONS: To increase the number of patients achieving optimal teicoplanin concentrations an individualized dosing approach, based on body weight and creatinine clearance, is recommended.

Toll-like receptor-induced expression of epithelial cytokine receptors on haemopoietic progenitors is altered in allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND: Haemopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) migrate to sites of allergic inflammation where, upon stimulation with epithelial cytokines, they produce Th2 cytokines and differentiate into mature eosinophils and basophils. They also express Toll-like receptors (TLR) involved in antimicrobial responses. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare TLR expression on peripheral blood HPC and TLR-induced responses, in particular changes in epithelial cytokine receptors, in healthy and asthmatic subjects at baseline and following allergen challenge. METHODS: Ten healthy and 11 allergic asthmatic subjects were studied. HPC-enriched cell populations were stimulated with TLR-2, TLR-4 or TLR-9 ligands. TLR expression by circulating HPC and interleukin (IL)-25 (IL-17RB), IL-33 (ST2) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin receptor (TSLPR) expression after TLR ligation were examined by flow cytometry at baseline and, in asthmatics, following allergen challenge. The effects of dexamethasone (Dex) on TLR-induced responses were also assessed. RESULTS: Asthmatics had significantly lower circulating HPC expressing TLR-2 and TLR-9 with a similar trend for TLR-4. TLR-4 stimulation of HPC yielded higher numbers of TSLPR+ cells in asthmatics compared with healthy subjects. A similar trend was seen for TLR-9 ligation, an effect further augmented by allergen inhalation. Allergen challenge also enhanced TLR-induced ST2 expression on HPC. Treatment with Dex in vitro increased TLR-4-induced TSLPR expression but had no effect on other epithelial cytokine receptors. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data demonstrate an interaction between allergen and TLR ligand exposure in asthmatics. Allergen inhalation augments the TLR-induced inflammatory response by HPC, possibly leading to increased "in situ haemopoiesis" through up-regulation of TSLPR. These findings show that HPC may be a part of the pro-inflammatory cascade in pathogen-induced asthma exacerbation through their increased responsiveness to TLR stimulation.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor expression on human eosinophils and its regulation of eosinophil activation.

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its receptor are part of the incretin family of hormones that regulate glucose metabolism. GLP-1 also has immune modulatory roles. OBJECTIVES: To measure the expression of the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) on eosinophils and neutrophils in normal and asthmatic subjects and evaluate effects of a GLP-1 analog on eosinophil function. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were taken from 10 normal and 10 allergic asthmatic subjects. GLP-1R expression was measured on eosinophils and neutrophils. Subsequently, the asthmatic subjects underwent allergen and diluent inhalation challenges, and GLP-1R expression was measured. Purified eosinophils, collected from mild asthmatic subjects, were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and a GLP-1 analog to evaluate eosinophil cell activation markers CD11b and CD69 and cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, IL-8 and IL-13) production. RESULTS: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor is expressed on human eosinophils and neutrophils. Eosinophil, but not neutrophil, expression of GLP-1R is significantly higher in normal controls compared to allergic asthmatics. The expression of GLP-1R did not change on either eosinophils or neutrophils following allergen challenge. A GLP-1 analog significantly decreased the expression of eosinophil-surface activation markers following LPS stimulation and decreased eosinophil production of IL-4, IL-8 and IL-13, but not IL-5. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor is expressed on human eosinophils and neutrophils. A GLP-1 analog attenuates LPS-stimulated eosinophil activation. GLP-1 agonists may have additional adjunctive indications in treating persons with concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus and asthma.

A dual CysLT1/2 antagonist attenuates allergen-induced airway responses in subjects with mild allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND: The cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs) play a key role in the pathophysiology of asthma. In addition to functioning as potent bronchoconstrictors, cysLTs contribute to airway inflammation through eosinophil and neutrophil chemotaxis, plasma exudation, and mucus secretion. We tested the activity of the dual cysLT1/2 antagonist, ONO-6950, against allergen-induced airway responses. METHODS: Subjects with documented allergen-induced early (EAR) and late asthmatic response (LAR) were randomized in a three-way crossover study to receive ONO-6950 (200 mg) or montelukast (10 mg) or placebo q.d. on days 1-8 of the three treatment periods. Allergen was inhaled on day 7 two hours postdose, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ) was measured for 7 h following challenge. Sputum eosinophils and airway hyperresponsiveness were measured before and after allergen challenge. The primary outcome was the effect of ONO-6950 vs placebo on the EAR and LAR. RESULTS: Twenty-five nonsmoking subjects with mild allergic asthma were enrolled and 20 subjects completed all three treatment periods per protocol. ONO-6950 was well tolerated. Compared to placebo, ONO-6950 significantly attenuated the maximum % fall in FEV1 and area under the %FEV1 /time curve during the EAR and LAR asthmatic responses (P < 0.05) and allergen-induced sputum eosinophils. There were no significant differences between ONO-6950 and montelukast. CONCLUSIONS: Attenuation of EAR, LAR, and airway inflammation is consistent with cysLT1 blockade. Whether dual cysLT1/2 antagonism offers additional benefit for treatment of asthma requires further study.

Emerging monoclonal antibodies as targeted innovative therapeutic approaches to asthma.

Asthma is characterized by discordant responses among cells of the adaptive and innate immune systems. This interplay involves a complex pattern of cytokine-driven processes resulting in cell migration and recruitment, inflammation, and proliferative states. The significant majority of asthmatic patients respond well to conventional inhaled treatments. However, about 5% of asthmatics have severe refractory asthma and account for 50% of the health expenditure on asthma. Human(ized) monoclonal antibodies (hMabs) targeting inflammatory pathways are promising therapeutic agents in asthma management. The anti-IgE hMab omalizumab was the first biologic treatment approved for the treatment of allergic asthma. Potential future strategies and targets include interleukin (IL)-5, IL-4, and IL-13, anti-TSLP, IL-25, and IL-33. hMabs targeting IL-5 have shown great promise in severe refractory asthma with a persisting eosinophilia, and clinical trials with hMabs against IL-13 and IL4Rα have also shown clinical benefit. Studies of hMabs against other cytokines in severe asthma are under way.

Roflumilast for asthma: Efficacy findings in non-placebo-controlled comparator and dosing studies.

BACKGROUND: Roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, has an established place in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Its potential role as a treatment for asthma is unclear. AIM: We report the results from seven double-blind, parallel group, phase II or III studies designed to compare roflumilast with two anti-inflammatory treatments, beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) and montelukast, in patients with asthma. METHODS: The studies of 6-12 week duration were conducted at 309 sites in Europe, North America, South Africa and Australia from 1998 to 2005. Data from 3802 patients, aged 12-70 years who received either roflumilast 100 µg, 250 µg or 500 µg once daily, BDP 400 µg or 500 µg twice daily, or 10 mg montelukast once daily was analyzed. Primary endpoints were mean change and time averaged excess area under the curve in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) over the duration of the study. Secondary endpoints included change in forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow, asthma symptoms and the concomitant use of rescue medication. RESULTS: Roflumilast was non-inferior to BDP and montelukast and consistently increased FEV1. Use of rescue medication and all asthma symptom scores decreased significantly with all treatments, but no statistically significant between-group differences were observed. Secondary lung function endpoints generally supported the conclusions of the primary outcome measure. CONCLUSIONS: Roflumilast improves FEV1 and asthma symptoms in patients with mild to moderate asthma, and is non-inferior compared with both BDP and montelukast. It deserves further study as a potentially effective anti-inflammatory treatment for asthma.

T regulatory cell phenotypes in peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage from non-asthmatic and asthmatic subjects.

BACKGROUND: An unresolved issue in T regulatory cells' cell biology is the lack of consensus on phenotypic markers that accurately define the natural Treg (nTreg) population. OBJECTIVES: To examine nTreg frequency and functional capacity in healthy controls and their frequency in asthmatic subjects using three different phenotypic strategies. We hypothesized that phenotypically different nTreg are quantitatively and functionally different. METHODS: Thirty-four healthy, non-asthmatic and 17 asthmatic subjects were studied. Three nTreg phenotypes were defined as follows: nTreg1 (CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) ), nTreg2 (CD4(+) CD25(+) CD127(low) Foxp3(+) ), and nTreg3 (CD4(+) CD25(high) Foxp3(+) ). The flow cytometric determination of nTreg frequency in peripheral blood (PB) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed using fluorescently labelled antibodies. Peripheral blood nTreg functional capacity was assessed using a CFSE-based suppression assay. RESULTS: There was a significantly lower frequency of PB nTreg3 compared to nTreg2 and nTreg1 (P < 0.05). Both nTreg2 and nTreg3 had a significantly greater suppressive capacity than nTreg1 at T responder (Tresp) to nTreg ratios of 16 : 1 up to 1 : 1 (P < 0.01). Asthmatics exhibited a significantly lower PB nTreg3 and nTreg1 frequency than healthy controls (P < 0.05). There were no differences between healthy controls and asthmatic subjects when comparing BAL nTreg frequency. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Phenotypically different nTreg subsets are quantitatively and functionally different and are variably observed in asthma. The CD4(+) CD25(high) Foxp3(+) phenotype was the least frequent, but demonstrated the greatest suppression, and was significantly lower in PB of asthmatic subjects. Consequently, it is imperative that nTreg phenotypes be clearly defined and that the interpretation of their frequency and function be phenotype specific.

Treatment with anti-OX40L or anti-TSLP does not alter the frequency of T regulatory cells in allergic asthmatics.

OX40-OX40L interactions and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) are important in the induction and maintenance of Th2 responses in allergic disease, whereas T regulatory cells (Treg) have been shown to suppress pro-inflammatory Th2 responses. Both OX40L and TSLP have been implicated in the negative regulation of Treg. The effect of anti-asthma therapies on Treg is not well known. Our aim was to assess the effects of two monoclonal antibody therapies (anti-OX40L and anti-TSLP) on Treg frequency using a human model of allergic asthma. We hypothesized that the anti-inflammatory effects of these therapies would result in an increase in circulating Treg (CD4(+) CD25(+) CD127(low) Foxp3(+) cells) frequency. We measured Treg using flow cytometry, and our results showed that neither allergen challenge nor monoclonal antibody therapy altered circulating Treg frequency. These data highlight the need for assessment of airway Treg and for a more complete understanding of Treg biology so as to develop pharmacologics/biologics that modulate Treg for asthma therapy.

Allergen-induced early and late asthmatic responses to inhaled seasonal and perennial allergens.

BACKGROUND: The allergen bronchoprovocation (ABP) test is a validated model to study asthma pathophysiology and response to treatments. The inhibitory effect of agents on the allergen-induced late asthmatic response (LAR) is a predictor of their efficacy in asthma treatment. However, it is difficult to predict the magnitude of a LAR, which may vary according to immune responsiveness and the type of allergen used for ABP. AIM: To determine the relationship between the magnitudes of early asthmatic response (EAR) and LAR in mild asthmatic subjects according to the type of allergen inhaled and its determinants. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of a large database of ABPs, all performed with a common standardized methodology. Patients were either challenged with house dust mites (HDMs), animals or pollens allergens. EAR was defined as a ≥ 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ) < 3 h following ABP and LAR as a ≥ 15% fall in FEV1 between 3 and 7 h post-ABP. The ratio of EAR % fall in FEV1 /LAR % fall in FEV1 was compared between the groups of subjects according to the allergen used for ABP. RESULTS: Data from 290 subjects were analysed: 87 had an isolated EAR and 203 had a dual response (EAR + LAR). Dual responders had a significantly lower baseline PC20 , a more marked fall in FEV1 at EAR, and a trend towards higher baseline sputum eosinophil percentages. The ratio of EAR over LAR was significantly lower in HDM compared with pollen ABP, indicating a larger LAR for a similar EAR. No correlations were observed between the ratio of EAR over LAR and the various parameters recorded in the different groups analysed. CONCLUSION: Different mechanisms may be involved in modulating the magnitude of the LAR, according to the type of allergen. HDM seems to induce a stronger LAR than pollens, animal allergens being intermediary in this regard.

Once-daily fluticasone furoate 50 mcg in mild-to-moderate asthma: a 24-week placebo-controlled randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Inhaled glucocorticosteroids (ICS) are the mainstay of treatment in asthma. Fluticasone furoate (FF) is a novel, once-daily ICS asthma therapy. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of FF 50 mcg in patients with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma. METHODS: A 24-week, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled and active-controlled, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group phase III study. Three hundred and fifty-one patients (aged ≥12 years; uncontrolled by non-ICS therapy) were randomized to treatment (1 : 1 : 1) with once-daily FF 50 mcg dosed in the evening, twice-daily fluticasone propionate (FP) 100 mcg or placebo. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in evening trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ) at Week 24. Secondary endpoints were change from baseline in the percentage of rescue-free 24-h periods (powered endpoint), change from baseline in evening and morning peak expiratory flow, change from baseline in the percentage of symptom-free 24-h periods and number of withdrawals due to lack of efficacy. RESULTS: Evening trough FEV1 at Week 24 was not statistically significantly increased with FF 50 mcg once-daily (37 ml [95% CI: -55, 128]; P = 0.430), but was with FP 100 mcg twice daily (102 ml [10, 194]; P = 0.030), vs placebo. No consistent trends were observed across other endpoints, including the powered secondary endpoint. No safety concerns were raised for either active treatment. CONCLUSIONS: FP 100 mcg twice daily improved evening trough FEV1 in patients with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma, but FF 50 mcg once daily did not demonstrate a significant effect. Secondary endpoints showed variable results. No safety concerns were identified for FF or FP.

Myeloid dendritic cells type 2 after allergen inhalation in asthmatic subjects.

BACKGROUND: Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells that mediate the response to inhaled allergen. A major division in DC ontogeny exists between myeloid DCs (mDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). A subtype of mDC expressing thrombomodulin, termed myeloid DCs type 2 (mDC2s), has been identified in both the circulation and lung and has recently been suggested to have a role in allergic asthma. OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in circulating and sputum mDC2s after allergen inhalation in subjects with asthma. METHODS: Peripheral blood and induced sputum were obtained before and 3, 7, and 24 h after inhalation of diluent and allergen from allergic asthmatic subjects who develop both allergen-induced early- and late-phase responses. mDC2s were measured by flow cytometry. Soluble BDCA-3 (thrombomodulin) was measured in sputum by ELISA. RESULTS: The number of sputum mDC2s significantly increased 24 h after allergen challenge compared with diluent. The expression of BDCA-3 on sputum mDCs also increased, albeit non-significantly, at 7 and 24 h after allergen. Soluble BDCA-3 in sputum and the number of circulating mDC2s were not different between allergen and diluent. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Myeloid DCs type 2 (mDC2s) increase in the sputum of subjects with asthma after allergen challenge, suggesting this subtype of mDC is involved in the regulation of allergen responses in the lung.

OX40L blockade and allergen-induced airway responses in subjects with mild asthma.

BACKGROUND: The OX40/OX40L interaction contributes to an optimal T cell response following allergic stimuli and plays an important role in the maintenance and reactivation of memory T effector cells. OBJECTIVE: We tested whether treatment with an anti-OX40L monoclonal antibody (MAb) would inhibit allergen-induced responses in subjects with asthma. METHODS: Twenty-eight mild, atopic asthmatic subjects were recruited for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00983658) to compare blockade of OX40L using a humanized anti-OX40L MAb to placebo-administered intravenously in 4 doses over 3 months. Allergen inhalation challenges were carried out 56 and 113 days after the first dose of study drug. The primary outcome variable was the late-phase asthmatic response. Other outcomes included the early-phase asthmatic response, airway hyperresponsiveness, serum IgE levels, blood and sputum eosinophils, safety and tolerability. RESULTS: Treatment with anti-OX40L MAb did not attenuate the early- or late-phase asthmatic responses at days 56 or 113 compared with placebo. In the anti-OX40L MAb treatment group, total IgE was reduced 17% from pre-dosing levels, and sputum eosinophils decreased 75% by day 113 (both P = 0.04). There was no effect of anti-OX40L MAb on airway hyperresponsiveness or blood eosinophils. The frequency of AEs was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pharmacological activity of anti-OX40L MAb was observed by decreases in serum total IgE and airway eosinophils at 16 weeks post-dosing, but there was no effect on allergen-induced airway responses. It is possible that the treatment duration or dose of antibody was insufficient to impact the airway responses.

Myeloid dendritic cells type 2 in allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND: Myeloid dendritic cells type 2 (mDC2s) are a new subtype of DCs identified in both the circulation and the lung and suggested to have a role in allergic asthma. METHODS: Circulating mDC2s were enumerated in 19 healthy, 18 atopic nonasthmatic, 18 mild atopic asthmatic, and 16 moderate/severe atopic asthmatic subjects using flow cytometry. RESULTS: The number of circulating mDC2s was significantly lower in atopic subjects compared with healthy controls and in asthmatic subjects compared with nonasthmatic subjects. There was a trend toward lower levels of circulating mDC2s with increasing allergy and asthma severity. The largest differences were seen in moderate/severe atopic asthmatics being 430.78 ± 48.91/ml compared with healthy controls being 767.05 ± 101.64/ml (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Circulating mDC2s are lower in atopic and asthmatic subjects, which suggests that these cells efflux from the blood into the airways in patients with allergic disease.

EAACI position statement on asthma exacerbations and severe asthma.

Asthma exacerbations and severe asthma are linked with high morbidity, significant mortality and high treatment costs. Recurrent asthma exacerbations cause a decline in lung function and, in childhood, are linked to development of persistent asthma. This position paper, from the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, highlights the shortcomings of current treatment guidelines for patients suffering from frequent asthma exacerbations and those with difficult-to-treat asthma and severe treatment-resistant asthma. It reviews current evidence that supports a call for increased awareness of (i) the seriousness of asthma exacerbations and (ii) the need for novel treatment strategies in specific forms of severe treatment-resistant asthma. There is strong evidence linking asthma exacerbations with viral airway infection and underlying deficiencies in innate immunity and evidence of a synergism between viral infection and allergic mechanisms in increasing risk of exacerbations. Nonadherence to prescribed medication has been identified as a common clinical problem amongst adults and children with difficult-to-control asthma. Appropriate diagnosis, assessment of adherence and other potentially modifiable factors (such as passive or active smoking, ongoing allergen exposure, psychosocial factors) have to be a priority in clinical assessment of all patients with difficult-to-control asthma. Further studies with improved designs and new diagnostic tools are needed to properly characterize (i) the pathophysiology and risk of asthma exacerbations, and (ii) the clinical and pathophysiological heterogeneity of severe asthma.

Risk of new onset diabetes mellitus in patients with asthma or COPD taking inhaled corticosteroids.

BACKGROUND: A recent case-controlled study reported an increased risk of diabetes mellitus in patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids for asthma or COPD, versus age-matched controls. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate whether there was an increased risk of new onset diabetes mellitus or hyperglycaemia among patients with asthma or COPD treated with inhaled corticosteroids. METHODS: A retrospective analysis evaluated all double-blind, placebo-controlled, trials in patients ≥4 years of age involving budesonide or budesonide/formoterol in asthma (26 trials; budesonide: n = 9067; placebo: n = 5926), and in COPD (8 trials; budesonide: n = 4616; non-ICS: n = 3643). A secondary dataset evaluated all double-blind, controlled trials in asthma involving the use of inhaled corticosteroids (60 trials; budesonide: n = 33,496; fluticasone: n = 2773). RESULTS: In the primary asthma dataset, the occurrence of diabetes mellitus/hyperglycaemia adverse events (AEs) was 0.13% for budesonide and 0.13% for placebo (HR 0.98 [95% CI: 0.38-2.50], p = 0.96) and serious adverse events (SAEs) was 0% for budesonide and 0.05% for placebo. In the secondary dataset, the occurrence of diabetes/hyperglycaemia as AE and SAE was 0.19% and 0.03%, respectively. In the COPD dataset, the occurrence of diabetes mellitus/hyperglycaemia AEs was 1.3% for budesonide and 1.2% for non-ICS (HR 0.99 [95% CI: 0.67-1.46], p = 0.96) and SAEs was 0.1% for budesonide and 0.03% for non-ICS. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Treatment with inhaled corticosteroids in patients with asthma or COPD was not associated with increased risk of new onset diabetes mellitus or hyperglycaemia.

Safety and efficacy of a CXCR2 antagonist in patients with severe asthma and sputum neutrophils: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Increased numbers of neutrophils are reported in the airways of patients with severe asthma. It is not clear if they contribute to the lack of control and severity. There are currently no strategies to investigate this by decreasing neutrophil numbers in the airways. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of SCH527123, a selective CXCR2 receptor antagonist, in patients with severe asthma and increased number of neutrophils in sputum. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, parallel study, patients with severe asthma and sputum total cell count < 10 × 10(6) /g and neutrophils > 40% were randomized to SCH527123, 30 mg daily PO (n = 22) or placebo (n = 12) for 4 weeks. Primary end-points were safety and change in sputum and blood neutrophil counts. Secondary end-points were change in asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) score, minor and major exacerbations, spirometry and sputum neutrophil activation markers. RESULTS: The SCH 527123 caused a mean reduction of 36.3% in sputum neutrophil percentage compared to a 6.7% increase in the placebo arm (P = 0.03). The mean absolute neutrophil count in blood was reduced by 14% at the end of 4 weeks, but recovered by the 5th week. There were no differences in the overall rates of adverse events among the groups. There were fewer mild exacerbations (1.3 vs. 2.25, P = 0.05) and a trend towards improvement in the ACQ score (mean difference between groups of 0.42 points, P = 0.053). No statistically significant changes were observed in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV (1)), sputum myeloperoxidase, IL8 or elastase. CONCLUSIONS: The SCH527123 is safe and reduces sputum neutrophils in patients with severe asthma. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This new treatment provides an opportunity to investigate the role of neutrophils in severe asthma with potential clinical benefits. Larger studies of longer duration are needed to evaluate the impact on other outcomes of asthma including exacerbations.