Effect of Inhaled Steroids on Gene Expression in the Lungs - 2

• Microarray chips are scanned and the image analyzed using the Affymatrix Microarray suite algorithm. The data is normalized and differential expression is determined by fold change of the individual genes. [ Time Frame: Day 7 and Day 14 following initiation of therapy compared to baseline values obtained on screening ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

The study will involve healthy smokers and non smokers enrolled in IRB approved protocol #0005004439 entitled "Evaluation of the Lungs of Normal (Smokers, Ex-smokers, Non-Smokers) Individuals with Segmental Bronchopulmonary Lung Lavage, Bronchial Brushing, and Bronchial Wall Biopsy". They will be invited to participate in this protocol only if they meet the additional inclusion/exclusion criteria of this protocol (see inclusion/exclusion criteria, section A6). The Principal Investigator, Ann E. Tilley, MD or authorized representative will obtain consent from individuals for this study. Once enrolled, smokers will be randomized to either the Group A [320 micrograms (mcg) of beclomethasone; 2 puffs twice a day (each puff delivers 80 mcg) for 7 days] or Group B (no treatment). Beclomethasone is available as a metered dose inhaler [QVAR(TEVA Pharmaceuticals)] delivering 80 micrograms (mcg) of beclomethasone per one puff. We will be using QVAR HFA (TEVA Pharmaceuticals), which delivers 80 mcg per puff. QVAR will be purchased by the Department of Genetic Medicine. It will be dispensed as appropriate to each research subject recruited in the trial at the Department of Genetic Medicine at 1305 York Ave YAB-13th floor, New York, NY 10021 (a facility of Weill Medical College). It will be stored at The Arthur & Rochelle Belfer Gene Therapy Core Facility located at 515 E. 71st St., S901, New York, NY 10021 under the supervision of Stephen Kaminksy, PhD, Co-Director of the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice). Each study individual will receive 1 package of the study medication which consists of 1 canister of QVAR 80 MDI (metered dose inhaler). Non-smokers, defined as individuals who have never smoked, will be part of Group C. Group C will act as control like Group B and receive no treatment. For Group A, Group B and Group C participants, the screening, baseline bronchoscopy, and the bronchoscopies on Days 7±3 and 14±3 tests will be performed as part of IRB approved protocol #0005004439. No additional bronchoscopies will be performed under the current protocol.