Effects of salmeterol xinafoate and fluticasone propionate on immunological activation of human cultured mast cells.

Background: The clinical efficacy of combination therapy comprising a long acting beta(2)-agonist (LABA) and corticosteroid is widely recognized for the treatment of adult asthma. Here we examine the effect of salmeterol xinafoate (SX) and fluticasone propionate (FP) alone and in combination on the immunological activation of human cultured mast cells (HCMC)in vitro.

Methods: HCMC were passively sensitized with IgE antibody and then activated by challenging with anti-IgE antibody.

Infliximab neutralizes the suppressive effect of TNF-alpha on expression of extracellular-superoxide dismutase in vitro.

Extracellular-superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) is the major SOD isozyme in blood vessel walls, normal cartilage and synovial fluid and may be important for the antioxidant capability of these tissues. We have reported that EC-SOD gene transferred mice exhibited significant suppression of clinical symptoms of type II collagen induced arthritis [Iyama, et al., Arthritis Rheum.

Metabolite profiles of flutamide in serum from patients with flutamide-induced hepatic dysfunction.

Hepatic dysfunction due to flutamide administration has been reported and this side effect often limits the use of the agent. The prediction of flutamide-induced hepatotoxicity is attributed to the proper use of the antiandrogen. In this study, we investigated whether hepatic dysfunction could be assessed by the metabolite profile in serum from patients receiving this drug.