Choline attenuates immune inflammation and suppresses oxidative stress in patients with asthma

Asthma is a chronic immune inflammatory disease characterized by variable airflow obstruction and increased bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR). Therapeutic interventions reduce airway inflammation and relieve symptoms but associated with potential side effects that limit their usefulness. The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of choline on immune inflammation and BHR in asthma subjects. The patients of asthma (n=76) were recruited and treated with choline supplement (1500 mg twice) or standard pharmacotherapy for 6 months in two groups. The patients were evaluated by clinical, immunologic and biochemical parameters. The treatment with choline showed significant reduction in symptom/drug score and improvement in PC20 FEV1 compared to baseline or standard pharmacotherapy (p < 0.01). Choline therapy significantly reduced IL-4, IL-5 and TNF-alpha level as compared to baseline or standard pharmacotherapy after 6 months (p < 0.01). Blood eosinophil count and total IgE levels were reduced in both the treatment groups. Cysteinyl leukotriene and leukotriene B4 were suppressed significantly by choline treatment (p < 0.01). This was accompanied by decreased 8-isoprostanes, a biomarker for oxidative stress after choline treatment (p < 0.01). Choline therapy modulates immune inflammation and suppresses oxidative stress in asthma patients. It can be used as an adjunct therapy for asthma patients. (C) 2009 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.