Effect of an Inhaled Glucocorticosteroid (ICS) on Endothelial Dysfunction in Cigarette Smokers

Cigarette smoking can lead to systemic endothelial dysfunction. Since the airway circulation is exposed to a high concentration of cigarette smoke constituents, we reasoned that airway vascular endothelial dysfunction could be present in healthy smokers without systemic endothelial dysfunction.

The purpose of this study was to compare airway and systemic endothelial function and measure markers of systemic inflammation in lung-healthy current smokers. Since endothelial dysfunction in smokers has been related to systemic inflammation, we also investigated its response to an inhaled glucocorticosteroid (ICS).

Vascular endothelial function was assessed in the airway by the airway blood-flow (Qaw) response to inhaled albuterol (ΔQaw) and in the extrapulmonary circulation by brachial arterial flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD). Venous blood was collected for C-reactive protein and IL-6.

Qaw was measured with a noninvasive inhaled soluble gas uptake technique. The uptake of the gas from the anatomical deadspace reflecting airways perfused by the airway circulation was quantitated.

Qaw was express as μL/min normalized for anatomical deadspace: μL/min/mL.

Inclusion criteria

For both healthy non-smokers and healthy current smokers:

normal spirometry Healthy current smokers: history of >10 pack-year smoking

Exclusion criteria

Women of childbearing potential who do not use accepted birth control measures; pregnant and breast feeding women. Cardiovascular disease and/or use of cardiovascular medications. Subjects with known beta-adrenergic agonist or nitroglycerin intolerance. A physician diagnosis of chronic airway disease (asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis).

Acute respiratory infection within four weeks prior to the study. Use of any airway medication. FEV1 < 80% of predicted and FEV1/FVC < 0.7. A body mass index > 30.