1-Antitrypsin inhalation reduces airway inflammation in cystic fibrosis patients

Abstract

The airways of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are characterised by neutrophils that release high amounts of elastase overwhelming the local antiprotease shield. Inhalation of α₁-antitrypsin (AAT) may restore the protease–antiprotease balance and attenuate airway inflammation in CF airways. The aims of the present study were: 1) to assess the best deposition region for inhaled AAT by two different inhalation strategies; and 2) to examine the effect of 4 weeks of AAT inhalation on lung function, protease–antiprotease balance and airway inflammation in CF patients.