efficacy of simvastatin and pioglitazone in a murine model of chronic asthma

ABSTRACT

Background: The pathologic mechanisms involved in bronchial asthma have not yet been completely elucidated. Th2 lymphocytes are thought to play a key role in the initiation and perpetuation of this chronic airway inflammation. 0n the other hand, the imbalances between MMP-9 and TIMP-I in addition to increased TGF-beta may contribute to some of the remodeling features seen in asthma. Simvastatin has anti-inflammatory properties unrelated to their serum cholesterol=lowering activity. PPAR-gamma agonist, which is used in treatment of diabetes, plays an important role in the control of inflammatory responses. So we sought to investigate the effects of these drugs on airway inflammation and remodeling in a murine model of chronic asthma