Anti-inflammatory effects of targeted lung denervation in patients with COPD.
Kistemaker LEM, Slebos DJ, Meurs H, Kerstjens HAM & Gosens R.
Eur Respir J. 2015 Sep 4.
Publication: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26341988
Abstract
Background: Acetylcholine does not only induce bronchoconstriction, but is also identified as a regulator of airway inflammation in animal models of COPD. This has not been demonstrated in patients with COPD. Targeted lung denervation (TLD) is a novel bronchoscopic therapy for COPD, in which airway parasympathetic nerves are ablated by locally applying radiofrequency energy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of TLD on airway inflammation in patients with COPD.
Methods: Markers of inflammation in bronchial washings and brushes were investigated before and 30 days after TLD.
Results: TLD attenuated airway inflammation, with a significant decrease in CCL4 (MIP-1β) protein levels in the bronchial wash and CXCL8 and TGF-β gene expression levels in the bronchial brush.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that parasympathetic denervation reduces inflammation in patients with COPD.
