The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · Jun 2000
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialSalmeterol and fluticasone propionate combined in a new powder inhalation device for the treatment of asthma: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Many patients with persistent asthma need both long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids for optimal asthma control. ⋯ Salmeterol 50 microg and fluticasone 100 microg combined in the Diskus powder delivery device offers significant clinical advantages over salmeterol or fluticasone alone at the same doses.
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In the past several years, extensive studies on the mechanisms underlying IL-4 and IL-13 signaling have enabled us to gain insight into how these cytokines regulate immune responses. Because both IL-4 and IL-13 use the IL-4Ralpha as a receptor component, these cytokines activate many common signaling pathways. Both of these cytokines use Janus kinases (JAKs) to initiate signaling and activate signal transducer and activator of transcription-6 (STAT6), which is a transcription factor required for many of their biologic functions. ⋯ In addition, IL-4 can activate a number of phosphatases including SH2-containing inositol phosphatase (SHIP), SHP-1, and SHP-2. Finally, B-cell lymphoma gene-6 (BCL-6) appears to regulate a subset of IL-4-induced genes. Thus the biologic responses induced by IL-4/IL-13 require a complex interaction of signaling pathways and regulators.