Marc A Riedl1, Andre E Nel. 1. Section of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA. mriedl@mednet.ucla.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of the current review is to summarize recent evidence demonstrating the important role of oxidative stress in asthma pathogenesis. The therapeutic implications of these findings will be presented. RECENT FINDINGS: Mechanistically, the effect of oxidative stress on dendritic cells has been demonstrated to have a potent effect on Th1/Th2 skewing of the immune response. Investigations of gene-environment interactions have identified genetic polymorphisms associated with individual susceptibility to pollutant-induced respiratory oxidative stress. The effects of current asthma therapy on oxidative stress are currently unclear, but previous trials using conventional antioxidant therapy in asthma have been largely ineffective. Recent investigations have identified two promising broad-based therapeutic approaches: Nrf2 pathway activation and the use of thiol precursors. Preliminary data suggest that fullerene nanomaterials and dietary interventions may also have potential benefits in asthma. SUMMARY: Our current understanding of the role of oxidative stress in asthma suggests that antioxidant therapy may be important in optimizing asthma treatment and prevention. The future success of antioxidant asthma therapy will require strategies with broad effects on airway redox equilibrium and the selection of appropriate target populations.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of the current review is to summarize recent evidence demonstrating the important role of oxidative stress in asthma pathogenesis. The therapeutic implications of these findings will be presented. RECENT FINDINGS: Mechanistically, the effect of oxidative stress on dendritic cells has been demonstrated to have a potent effect on Th1/Th2 skewing of the immune response. Investigations of gene-environment interactions have identified genetic polymorphisms associated with individual susceptibility to pollutant-induced respiratory oxidative stress. The effects of current asthma therapy on oxidative stress are currently unclear, but previous trials using conventional antioxidant therapy in asthma have been largely ineffective. Recent investigations have identified two promising broad-based therapeutic approaches: Nrf2 pathway activation and the use of thiol precursors. Preliminary data suggest that fullerene nanomaterials and dietary interventions may also have potential benefits in asthma. SUMMARY: Our current understanding of the role of oxidative stress in asthma suggests that antioxidant therapy may be important in optimizing asthma treatment and prevention. The future success of antioxidant asthma therapy will require strategies with broad effects on airway redox equilibrium and the selection of appropriate target populations.
Authors: Shama Ahmad; David O Raemy; Joan E Loader; Jenai M Kailey; Keith B Neeves; Carl W White; Aftab Ahmad; Peter Gehr; Barbara M Rothen-Rutishauser Journal: J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv Date: 2011-10-18 Impact factor: 2.849
Authors: Yueh-Ying Han; Josh Blatter; John M Brehm; Erick Forno; Augusto A Litonjua; Juan C Celedón Journal: Lancet Respir Med Date: 2013-07-31 Impact factor: 30.700