Rationale:
COPD is a disease characterized by chronic inflammation and irreversible airway obstruction. Chronic inflammation lead to degradation of extracellular matrix and hereby destruction of lung parenchyma. Tetracyclines are known for their anti-inflammatory properties in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Objective:
To assess the effect of doxycycline on markers of neutrophilic inflammation and proteolytic activity in induced sputum of stable GOLD II and III COPD patients.
Study population:
Thirty patients with stable GOLD II COPD.
Intervention:
Placebo versus doxycycline in randomised design.
Age
41–any
Sex
ALL
Healthy volunteers
Not accepted
You may be eligible if
GOLD II or III COPD (GOLD II: FEV1/FVC \< 70%; 50% \< FEV1 \< 80% predicted, GOLD III: FEV1/FVC \< 70%; 30% \< FEV1 \< 50% predicted ).
Stable disease (no exacerbations in the last 3 months).
Age \> 40 yrs.
Written informed consent.
You may not be if
Infections and/or use of antibiotics in the last month.
Bacterial colonization of the airways, proven by sputum cultures or broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL).
Allergy for tetracyclines or a history of substantial side-effects.
Active respiratory diseases other than COPD (e.g. sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, lung cancer, bronchiectasis).
Acute exacerbation of COPD as defined by Anthonisen et al. \[10\].
Signs and/or symptoms of a current respiratory or non-respiratory infection.
Use of oral or intravenous corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs within the last month.
Clareo Health | Doxycycline and Airway Inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
