Changes of inflammation before and after initial anti-inflammatory therapy in asthma patients

Objective: To compare the levels of inflammation parameters, including TGF-β1, IL-17, IL-23 in serum and induced sputum, between new-onset asthma patients and healthy people, so as to confirm their changes and significance after treatment of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Methods: Twenty-five new onset asthma patients during May to Dec., 2011 were recruited in ICS treated group, meanwhile 27 healthy people were selected as controls. The demographic characteristics of the two groups were recorded, their serums were collected to test the expression of TGF beta1, IL-17 and IL-23 before and after the treatment of ICS (Budesonide, 200 μg bid) for three months. Asthma control test (ACT) scores, pulmonary functions, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) levels, blood regular tests, and total IgE of serum were also monitored. Results: Compared with healthy control group, the serum levels of TGF-β1 and IgE of new-onset asthma patients were higher than those in control group. There were no significant differences in expression of IL-17 and IL-23 between the two groups. After treatment, the serum levels of TGF beta1 were lower than those before treatment. There were no statistically significances in serum levels of IL-17, IL-23 and levels of TGF-β1, IL-17, IL-23 in sputum supernatant. The levels of FENO in patients were significantly decreased after ICS treatment. Conclusions: TGF-β1 might be an important index for airway inflammation and remodeling. FENO is a noninvasive and important indicator for monitoring airway inflammation in asthma.