Add-on azithromycin reduces sputum cytokines in non-eosinophilic asthma: an AMAZES substudy. Issue 7 (7th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shukla, Shakti D; Taylor, Steven L; Gibson, Peter G; Barker, Daniel; Upham, John W; Yang, Ian A; Reynolds, Paul N; Hodge, Sandra; James, Alan L; Rogers, Geraint B; Simpson, Jodie L
• Is Part Of: Thorax. Volume 76:Issue 7(2021)
• Page Start: 733
• Page End: 736
• Publication Date: 2021-01-07
• Subjects: asthma -- asthma pharmacology -- respiratory infection -- cytokine biology; Chest -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Thorax; Chest -- Diseases; Periodicals; Periodicals; 617.54
• DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-216331
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0040-6376

Abstract

Abstract : Add-on azithromycin (AZM) significantly reduces exacerbations in poorly controlled asthma irrespective of disease phenotype. In a predefined substudy of the original AMAZES protocol (500 mg, three times a week for 48 weeks), we report that AZM treatment reduces key sputum inflammatory proteins (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and extracellular DNA), which is more evident in non-eosinophilic asthma (NEA). Moreover, AZM reduced Haemophilus influenzae load only in NEA. Our data support the anti-inflammatory effects of AZM in poorly controlled asthma. Prospective studies are required to identify patients that derive greatest benefit from AZM add-on therapy.