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Asthma is an inflammatory airway disease, and oxidative stress was proven to be involved in its pathogenesis. Apocynin effectively inhibits the main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase-by blocking its activation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of inhaled apocynin on ROS and RNS (reactive nitrogen species) concentration in 14 nonsmoking mild asthmatics. Effects of nebulized apocynin (0.5 mg/mL) were assessed in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) after 30, 60, and 120 minutes, and safety parameters have been analyzed. Apocynin significantly decreased H2O2 concentration in EBC in comparison with placebo after 60 and 120 minutes. Moreover, apocynin significantly reduced NO(-2) concentration 30 and 60 minutes after nebulization and caused a significant decrease of NO(-3) concentration in EBC 60 and 120 minutes after administration, comparing with placebo. No adverse events have been observed throughout the study. This research confirmed anti-inflammatory properties of nebulized apocynin, which might be an effective and safe drug in bronchial asthma.

Abstract: The imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis and antioxidants might be involved in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases. NADPH oxidase, an enzyme responsible for ROS production, may represent an attractive therapeutic target to inhibit, for the treatment of these diseases. Apocynin is an inhibitor of activation of NADPH oxidase complex present in the inflammatory cells. In double blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study, we investigated the effect of nebulized apocynin on ROS synthesis in 10 nonsmoking healthy volunteers. Apocynin (6ml of 0.5mg/ml) was administered by nebulization and its effects on H2O2, NO2 − and NO3 − generation were assessed after 30, 60 and 120min by collecting exhaled breath condensate (EBC) samples using an EcoScreen analyzer. Additionally, respiratory parameters have been evaluated, utilizing spirometry and DLCO. We also analyzed peripheral blood differential counts and NO2 − serum level, cough scale control and blood pressure as safety parameters. Apocynin caused reduction of H2O2 concentration in EBC as compared to placebo, after 60min. of inhalation (0.18μM vs. 0.31μM, p <0.05) as well as after 120min. (0.2μM vs. 0.31μM, p <0.05). Similarly, apocynin significantly decreased concentration of NO3 − as compared to placebo, after 60 and 120min. (6.8μM vs. 14.4μM and 6.5μM vs. 14.9μM respectively, p <0.05). Apocynin was well tolerated and no adverse events have been observed throughout the study. Thus, as apocynin significantly influence ROS concentration, it might have also antiinflammatory properties. As it is safe, it may have a potential to become a drug in airway inflammatory diseases treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]