Objective and design: Chronic glucocorticoid treatment is associated with pharmacological resistance. We investigated the auxiliary effects of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) on dexamethasone (DEX)-related modulation of inflammation and T-cell proliferation.
Methods: Acute inflammation (pleurisy) was induced by injection of carrageenan into the pleural cavity of rats that were treated in vivo with DEX s. c. and FBP i. p. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and T-cell sensitivity to FBP and DEX was evaluated in vitro.
Results: FBP and DEX reduced the exudate volume, protein concentration and neutrophils in the pleural cavity. However no synergistic effects were observed when these compounds were tested simultaneously. In contrast, both compounds dose-dependently and synergistically suppressed T-cell proliferation.
Conclusion: These data suggest that FBP may be beneficial as auxiliary drug for the treatment of patients with acquired glucocorticoid resistance.