Effect of dornase alfa on inflammation and lung function: potential role in the early treatment of cystic fibrosis.

Abstract

Dornase alfa has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation and neutrophil-associated metalloproteinases in cystic fibrosis (CF), suggesting a potential benefit from use of this therapy early in the disease. However, observational studies indicate that dornase alfa is often reserved for "sicker" patients. A 2-year, early intervention study of dornase alfa in CF patients with early lung disease demonstrated significant improvements in lung function and risk of exacerbation compared to placebo. A more recent analysis, using the database of the large observational Epidemiologic Study of Cystic Fibrosis (ESCF), found that initiation of dornase alfa has the potential to alter the course of CF by decreasing the rate of lung function decline in children and adults. These encouraging results, possibly linked to indirect effects on inflammation, suggest a greater role for dornase alfa therapy in the early treatment of CF, where it may help preserve lung function and potentially extend survival.

• Authors: Michael W Konstan, Felix Ratjen
• Journal: Journal of cystic fibrosis : official journal of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society (J Cyst Fibros) Vol. 11 Issue 2 Pg. 78-83 (Mar 2012) ISSN: 1873-5010 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 22093951 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• DNASE1 protein, human
• Deoxyribonuclease I
• Matrix Metalloproteinase 9

Topics

• Cystic Fibrosis (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Deoxyribonuclease I (therapeutic use)
• Disease Progression
• Forced Expiratory Volume
• Humans
• Inflammation (drug therapy)
• Lung (drug effects, physiopathology)
• Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (analysis)