Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 PhD,Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 PhD, Biotechnology Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 MD, Cardiovascular Research Center, Ghaem Hospital, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

4 PhD, Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. PhD, Pharmaceutical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

5 PhD, Pharmaceutical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Nanotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pentoxifylline has anti-inflammatory properties and could suppress some inflammatory processes including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production. We assessed the effects of a two-month administration of pentoxifylline on nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) pathways in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in which inflammatory pathways, especially NFκB transcription factors, have a critical role.    METHODS: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study design was used. Forty CAD patients were randomized to either 2 months of pentoxifylline treatment (1200 mg/day) (n = 20) or placebo treatment (n = 20). Blood samples were obtained just before and after two months of treatment. P50 protein concentration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was measured by Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) method.    RESULTS: P50 concentration did not significantly change during two months of pentoxifylline administration.    CONCLUSION: Longer pentoxifylline administration is needed to see its favorable effects on NFκB family elements.   Keywords: Coronary Artery Diseases, Inflammation, NFκB, Pentoxifylline.