In the present study, the investigators wish to address the effect of a glucocorticoid/long-acting beta-agonist preparation on endothelial function in COPD patients who do not currently smoke (ex-smokers) by measuring endothelium-dependent (albuterol response) and endothelium-independent (NTG response) vasodilation in the bronchial artery, reflecting endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasodilation (drug-induced increase in Qaw, ΔQaw). With this approach the investigators will test the hypothesis that in stable ICS-naïve COPD patients, endothelium-dependent vasodilation is restored with a glucocorticoid/long-acting beta-agonist preparation, presumably resulting from the glucocorticoid component.
To test the premise and to characterize the time dependence of the responses, the investigators propose the following two aims: 1. To determine the effect of a medium dose glucocorticoid/long-acting beta-agonist preparation (250 μg fluticasone plus 50 μg salmeterol) administered for 3 weeks on inhaled albuterol and sub-lingual NTG induced vasodilation in the bronchial artery, as assessed by ΔQaw in stable glucocorticoid-naïve COPD patients, and to re-assess the responses after a 3 week glucocorticoid/long-acting beta-agonist washout period. 2. To determine inhaled albuterol and sub-lingual NTG-induced vasodilation (ΔQaw) before, and 30 min and 120 min after a single medium dose of an ICS (220 μg fluticasone) in stable glucocorticoid- naïve COPD patients. For both aims, the protocol design will be placebo-controlled and double-blind. For the second aim, only fluticasone pretreatment will be possible because the salmeterol component of the fluticasone/salmeterol combination preparation could influence albuterol responsiveness irrespective of any glucocorticoid effect. The timing of the endothelial function measurements in the long-term glucocorticoid/long-acting beta-agonist protocol and single dose ICS protocol is based on the past experience with ICS on airway vascular function. Single dose effects were seen within 15-30 min and waned by 90 min (25,26), while long-term treatment effects were no longer seen 3 weeks after ICS withdrawal (16).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
DOUBLE
participants will be assigned to 3-weeks treatment of inhaled placebo twice a day
Participant will be assigned to a 3-weeks treatment with inhaled fluticasone/salmeterol or matching placebo
University of Miami School of Medicine
Miami, Florida, United States
long term effect of a glucocorticoid/long-acting beta-agonist on endothelial function in the bronchial artery.
To determine the effect of a medium dose glucocorticoid/long-acting beta-agonist preparation (250 μg fluticasone plus 50 μg salmeterol) or placebo administered for 3 weeks on inhaled albuterol and sub-lingual NTG induced vasodilation in the bronchial artery, as assessed by ΔQaw in stable glucocorticoid-naïve COPD patients, and to re-assess the responses after a 3 week washout period.
Time frame: 3 weeks
acute effect of an ICS on bronchial endothelial function in stable glucocorticoid-naïve COPD patient.
To determine inhaled albuterol and sub-lingual NTG-induced vasodilation (ΔQaw) before, and 30 min and 120 minutes after a single medium dose of an ICS (220 μg fluticasone)or placebo in stable glucocorticoid-naïve COPD patients
Time frame: 30 minutes and 120 minutes after inhaled albuterol and sub-lingual NTG
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.