1. 4University of Cincinnati Medical Center,­ Cincinnati, OH/USA.
Roflumilast reduces circulatory IL­17 levels in subjects with sarcoidosis and pulmonary fibrosis
M.D. Schweitzer1, O. Salamo1, M. Mirsaeidi1, M. Campos1, M. Judson2, D.A. Culver3, E.E. Lower4, R.P. Baughman4.
1University of Miami,­ Miami, FL/USA. 2Albany Medical College,­ Albany, NY/USA. 3Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH/USA.
4University of Cincinnati Medical Center,­ Cincinnati, OH/USA.
Background
Results
Sarcoidosis is a well ­known Th1 lymphocytic disorder.
Interleukin­ 17 (IL­17) is a T-cell pro­-inflammatory cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of granuloma formation in sarcoidosis.
Roflumilast is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE-4) inhibitor, used to decrease exacerbations in COPD. Its in vivo effect on inflammatory mediators in sarcoidosis has not been studied.
IL-1a
IL-1b
IL-2
IL-4
Objective
To evaluate the effect of roflumilast on serum cytokines in subjects with fibrotic pulmonary sarcoidosis (FPS).
Methods
IL-5
IL-6
IL-8
IL-10
Analysis of serum samples from a trial to evaluate the effect of roflumilast on cytokines in FPS subjects.
Roflumilast = 6 subjects.
Placebo = 5 subjects.
Blood samples were collected at baseline (month 0), 6 months and 12 months.
Cytokine analysis was performed with Multiplex­ 18 Cytokines test (Quansys Biosciences).
Conclusions
IL-12
IL-13
IL-15
IL-17
Roflumilast use was associated with a significant decrease in IL­17 levels after 6 months therapy.
Given the central role of IL­17 in the preservation of granuloma in sarcoidosis, roflumilast may have therapeutic potential in this condition.
We acknowledge funding from Astra-Zeneca.