The effects of pentoxifylline administration on NFΚB P50 transcription factor expression

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.