Effects of inhaled aerosolized low dose ambroxol on inflammatory response to one-lung ventilation in patients undergoing open-chest esophagus surgery

Objective To investigate the effects of inhaled aerosolized low dose ambroxol on the inflammatory response to one-lung ventilation ( OLV) in patients undergoing open-chest esophagus surgery. Methods Sixty patients with normal heart and lung function undergoing open-chest esophagus surgery were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n = 20 each): control group (group C) ; group IA received Ⅳ ambroxol 10 mg/kg after induction of anesthesia and group AIA inhaled aerosolized ambroxol 30 mg after induction of anesthesia. Arterial blood samples were taken after induction of anesthesia before ambroxol administration (T0, baseline) , at 90 min of OLV (T1 )and at 30 min after OLV (T2) for determination of plasma concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8 and IL-10 by ELBA.Results Plasma TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 concentrations were significantly increased while plasma IL-10 concentration was significantly decreased at T1 and T2 as compared with the baseline at T0 in all 3 groups. Plasma TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 concentrations were significantly lower and plasma IL-10 concentration was significantly higher at T1 and T2 in groups IA and AIA than in group C. Conclusion Both Ⅳ large dose ambroxol and inhaled aerosolized low dose ambroxol can inhibit the inflammatory response to OLV in patients undergoing open-chest esophagus surgery. Key words: Ambroxol; Respiratory therapy; Respiration, artificial; Inflammation