The use of Ipratropium and Tiotropium as novel agents to reduce inflammation in in vitro macrophage models.

BackgroundChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects an estimated 330 million individuals worldwide. Approximately, 3 million individuals died of COPD in 2012 and it is predicted that COPD would be the third leading factor for deaths worldwide by 2020. In United Kingdom nearly one million individuals suffer from COPD. PurposeThere are no effective pharmacotherapies available for COPD. it is only managed by using bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids mostly. However, cardiovascular effects are associated with these drugs. Most importantly, there is an unmet need of COPD treatment worldwide. Our research aim was to identify Ipratropium and Tiotropium as novel anti-inflammatory agents in in vitro macrophage models. AimsTo investigate the LPS stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF- levels in THP-1 cells. To investigate whether the drugs Ipratropium and Tiotropium are capable of decreasing LPS-induced inflammation in THP-1 cells. MaterialsHuman monocytic cell line THP-1 cells, Rosewell Park Memorial Institute RPMI 1640 with Glutamax I, 1% Penicillin Streptomycin (PenStrep) and 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS), Lipopolysaccharide 10l/ml, 0.05% Tween20, 0.4% Trypan blue, Reagent diluent (10% Bovine Serum Albumin in PBS), Budesonide Fenoterol, Ipratropium and Tiotropium. Human IL-6 DuoSet ELISA, Human TNF- ELISA, TMB ELISA Substrate solution and Stop solution. MethodsTHP-1 cells were cultured and challenges with LPS to stimulate the IL-6 and TNF- cytokines. The cells were treated with Budesonide, Fenoterol, Ipratropium and Tiotropium. ELISA was performed to determine the concentrations of cytokines. ResultsThe results suggested that Ipratropium and Tiotropium reduce IL-6 and TNF- concentrations in the cells. However, Budesonide and Fenoterol were found to reduce cytokines more effectively than Ipratropium and Tiotropium. The data was considered significant only when P <0.05. ConclusionsThe anti-inflammatory or cytokine reducing properties of Ipratropium and Tiotropium were acknowledged. The research hypothesis was found to be true. Budesonide and Fenoterol substantially reduce cytokine levels. The receptor interactions of Ipratropium and Tiotropium may be responsible for their duration of action. Overall, Ipratropium and Tiotropium display the characteristics of novel anti-inflammatories.